Rural Dean
rural dean
(Latin: decanus, one set over ten)
Also called vicar forane, or archpriest. A priest, ordinarily a pastor, selected by the bishop to supervise a section of the diocese (deanery, vicariate forane, archpresbyterate), to convoke its clergy periodically for theological conferences, and to report annually to the bishop concerning the condition of his district.
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Rural Dean
a designation of a class of very ancient officers of the Church, who, being parish priests, executed the bishop’s processes, inspected the lives and manners of the clergy and people within their district, and reported the same to the bishop. In order that they might have knowledge of the state of their respective deaneries, they had power to convene rural chapters. Much of their authority at the present day rests on custom and precedent. Their duties and powers vary in different dioceses. SEE DEAN.