| the unbroken line of succession beginning with the apostles and perpetuated through bishops, considered essential for orders and sacraments to be valid. |
| Main Entry: | apostolic succession |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | in Roman Catholicism, the doctrine maintaining that present-day successors to Jesus's apostles, i.e. the bishops, have the same spiritual authority, power, and responsibility conferred upon them as did the original apostles |
| Usage: | religion |