autocephalous

From Ancient Greek αὐτοκέφαλος (autoképhalos), from αὐτο- (auto-, “auto-”) + κεφαλή (kephalḗ, “head”). Synchronically, auto- +‎ -cephalous.

• IPA^(key): /ɔːtə(ʊ)ˈsɛfələs/

autocephalous (comparative more autocephalous, superlative most autocephalous)

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

• autocephality
• autocephaly
• autocephalic