Curate

One who has the care of souls in a particular area, hence, properly, a vicar or rector is a curate. But a curate in the Church of England is popularly understood to be an assistant or unbeneficed clergyman-although strictly speaking he is an assistant curate. He is nominated by the incumbent or the bishop, and licensed by the bishop. His license may be summarily revoked by the bishop, although he may appeal to the archbishop of the province. The employing incumbent may dismiss him on six months' notice.