intercessor
(ɪntəˈsɛsə(r))
[a. L. intercessor, agent-n. from intercēdĕre to intercede. In sense 1 not used in ancient L., but in OF. entrecessor (13th c.), intercesseur (16th c.).]
1. One who intercedes or interposes on behalf of another; a mediator.
| 1482 Monk of Evesham (Arb.) 91 The whyche schulde be deuowt and meke intercessours to god bothe for hym that byn a lyue and for hym that byn dede. 1665 Manley Grotius' Low C. Warres 360 He would advise with the King, to whom he would also be an Intercessor, for attaining such things as related to the Peace. 1667 Milton P.L. iii. 219 On mans behalf Patron or Intercessor none appeerd. 1769 Robertson Chas. V (1796) III. x. 220 Charles..eluded a demand made by such powerful intercessors. 1868 Freeman Norm. Conq. II. vii. 103 Beorn was persuaded to undertake the office of intercessor with the King on Swegen's behalf. |
b. In religious use: One that intercedes with God for man; a Mediator.
| 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 178 And that we sholde make the holy sayntes in heuen our intercessours. a 1540 Barnes Wks. (1573) 337/1 If you wyll bee Christes, make hym alonely your mediatour and your intercessour to the father of heauen. 1664–94 South Twelve Serm. II. 73 Some great Umpire, and Intercessour, to open him a new way of access to God. 1703 S. Clarke Evid. Prop. xiii. (R.), It cannot be thought unreasonable..that a mediator or intercessor should be appointed between God and man. 1856 H. O. Conant Eng. Bible Transl. iv. (1881) 29 Saint worship..had substituted, for the one Mediator, a countless army of intercessors in the Saints of the Romish Calendar. |
† 2. One who intervenes between parties; an intermediary; a go-between. Obs.
| 1554 Act 1 & 2 Ph. & Mary c. 8 §25 We..make most humble Suit unto your Majesties to be likewise Means and Intercessors, that all Occasions of Contention..may..be abolished. 1578 T. N. tr. Conq. W. India 362 By intercessours he was assured unto the Duke of Beiar his brothers daughter. 1598 Florio, Intercessore, an intercessour, one..that sues, that goes betweene,..a mediator. |
3. Eccles. (See quot.) Obs.
| 1727–41 Chambers Cycl. s.v., Intercessor is also a term heretofore applied to such bishops, as, during the vacancy of a see, administered the bishoprick, till a successor to the deceased bishop had been elected..The third council of Carthage calls these interventors. |