denotes an ecclesiastical superior in several reformed churches where episcopacy is not admitted; particularly among the Lutherans in Germany, and the Calvinists in some other places.

The superintendent is similar to a bishop; only his power is somewhat more restrained than that of our diocesan bishops. He is the chief pastor, and has the direction of all the inferior pastors within his district or diocese. In Germany they had formerly superintendents general, who were superior to the ordinary superintendents. These, in reality, were archbishops; but the dignity is sunk into disuse; and at present none but the superintendent of Wurtemberg assumes the quality of superintendent general.