AUTOCEPHALOUS

Etymology

Adjective

autocephalous (comparative more autocephalous, superlative most autocephalous)

(Christianity, of a church or bishop) Self-governing: independent of other episcopal jurisdiction (to a greater degree than an autonomous church).

Source: Wiktionary

Au`to*ceph"a*lous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Eccl. Hist.)

Definition: Having its own head; independent of episcopal or patriarchal jurisdiction, as certain Greek churches.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition