prelacy

[ prel-uh-see ]

noun

, plural prel·a·cies.

1. the office or dignity of a prelate, or high-ranking member of the Christian clergy.
2. the order of prelates.
3. the body of prelates collectively.
4. Sometimes Disparaging. the system of church government by prelates.

prelacy

/ ˈprɛləsɪ /

noun

1. Also calledprelatureˈprɛlɪtʃə
   1. the office or status of a prelate
   2. prelates collectively
2. derogatory.
   Also calledprelatismˈprɛləˌtɪzəm government of the Church by prelates

Word History and Origins

Origin of prelacy¹

1275–1325; Middle English prelacie < Anglo-French < Medieval Latin praelātia. See prelate, -y ³

Example Sentences

In ancient Anahuac the prelacy was as systematic and its rules as well defined, as in the Church of Rome.

From Project Gutenberg

Prelacy and Popery are both corrupt systems, though not equally.

From Project Gutenberg

Prel′atism, Prel′ature, prelacy: the time during which a prelate exercises authority; Prel′atist, an upholder of prelacy.

From Project Gutenberg

The very Highlanders whom he now summoned to extirpate Prelacy he had a few years before summoned to defend it.

From Project Gutenberg

They were, with few exceptions, hostile to Prelacy; and they showed their hostility in a way very little to their honour.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• domination