View source for Superior (hierarchy)

{{Short description|Position at a higher level in the hierarchy}}
In a [[Hierarchy|hierarchy]] or [[Tree structure|tree structure]] of any kind, a '''superior''' is an individual or position at a higher level in the hierarchy than another (a "subordinate" or "inferior"), and thus closer to the [[Apex (geometry)|apex]]. In business, superiors are people who are [[Social:Supervisor|supervisor]]s and in the military, superiors are people who are higher in the chain of command (superior officer). Superiors are given sometimes supreme authority over others under their command. When an order is given, one must follow that order and obey it or punishment may be issued.

==Catholic Church==
A {{vanchor|religious superior}} is the person to whom a cleric is immediately responsible under [[Religion:Canon law|canon law]]. For [[Philosophy:Monk|monk]]s, it would be the [[Religion:Abbot|abbot]] (or the [[Religion:Abbess|abbess]] for [[Philosophy:Nun|nun]]s); for [[Religion:Friar|friar]]s, it would be the [[Religion:Prior (ecclesiastical)|prior]], or, for Franciscans, the guardian (''[[Religion:Custos (Franciscans)|custos]]''), for Minims, the [[Religion:Corrector|corrector]]; for [[Religion:Diocese|diocesan]] priests, it would be the local [[Religion:Bishop|bishop]]. In religious orders with a hierarchy above the local community, there will also be superiors general and possibly [[Religion:Provincial superior|provincial superior]]s above the local abbot, prior, or [[Religion:Abbess|mother superior]]. The priest in charge a mission ''sui iuris'' is called an ecclesiastical superior.

==See also==
* [[Seniority]]
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==References==
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[[Category:Hierarchy]]
[[Category:Narcissism]]
[[Category:Catholic ecclesiastical titles]]
[[Category:Christian terminology]]

{{Sourceattribution|Superior (hierarchy)}}