the person to whom the spiritual jurisdiction of a diocese is committed during the vacancy of the see. A guardian of the spiritualities may likewise be either such in law, as the archbishop is of any diocese within his province, or by delegation, as he whom the archbishop or vicar-general for the time appoints. Such guardian has power to hold courts, and grant licenses, dispensations, probates of wills, &c.

GUARDIAN of the Temporalities, one appointed by the crown during such vacancy, to take care of the goods and profits, and to render an account thereof to the Exchequer.