Curate

[from cura, q. v.] In ecclesiastical law. Properly, an incumbent who has the cure of souls, but now generally restricted to signify the spiritual assistant of a rector or yicar in his cure. Brande.-^^Kn officiating temporary minister in the Enghsh church, who represents the proper incumbent; being regularly employed either to serve in his absence or as his assistant, as the case may be.

1 Bl. Com. 393. 3 Steph. Com. 88.

It is the lowest degree in the church.

Id.