episcopacy

American  

[ih-pis-kuh-puh-see] / ɪˈpɪs kə pə si /

noun

plural

episcopacies

1. government of the church by bishops; church government in which there are three distinct orders of ministers, namely bishops, priests or presbyters, and deacons.

2. episcopate.

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episcopacy British  

/ ɪˈpɪskəpəsɪ /

noun

1. government of a Church by bishops

2. another word for episcopate

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Etymology

Origin of episcopacy

First recorded in 1640–50; episcop(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

But, having realized that you can't present yourself as a member of the Episcopacy these days, Forbes too has chosen to appear before the world as a Talent, burning with outrage over confiscatory tax rates.

From Time Magazine Archive

Practically speaking, what the Mandarins have done is take over a chunk of territory that was previously controlled by an inbred group of self-styled gentlemen called the Episcopacy.

From Time Magazine Archive

Most prominent figure at the conference was Dr. John W. Perry of Tennessee, chairman of the potent Committee on Episcopacy.

From Time Magazine Archive

Reminiscent of the Scots' battle against English Episcopacy was the tablet on the wall commemorating Jenny Geddes.

From Time Magazine Archive

His mission had been quite a crusade against the English Episcopacy, and he had established many flourishing chapels in Liverpool, Preston, Manchester, Burslem, London and elsewhere.

From Life of Heber C. Kimball, an Apostle The Father and Founder of the British Mission by Whitney, Orson F.