In French feudal law. Originally, an officer who represented the bishop, as the viscount did the count. In process of time, these dignitaries erected their offices in- to fiefs, and became feudal nobles, such as the vidame of Chartres, Rheims, etc., continuing to take their titles from the seat of the bishop VIDE 1207 VIGOR whom they represented, although the lands held by virtue of their flefs might be situated elsewhere. Brande; Burrill.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
