prelate

American  

[prel-it] / ˈprɛl ɪt /

noun

1. an ecclesiastic of a high order, as an archbishop, bishop, etc.; a church dignitary.

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prelate British  

/ prɪˈlætɪk, ˈprɛlɪt /

noun

1. a Church dignitary of high rank, such as a cardinal, bishop, or abbot

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Other Word Forms

• nonprelatic
  adjective
• prelateship
  noun
• prelatic
  adjective
• unprelatic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of prelate

1175–1225; Middle English prelat < Medieval Latin praelātus a civil or ecclesiastical dignitary, noun use of Latin praelātus (past participle of praeferre to prefer ), equivalent to prae- pre- + lātus, suppletive past participle of ferre to bear ¹

Explanation

A prelate is a high-ranking member of the clergy, such as a cardinal, abbot, or bishop, who has authority over lesser clergy. Both Catholic and Protestant religions have prelates in their ranks. The source of prelate is the Latin adjective praelatus, "noble," whose meaning is appropriate to the modern meaning, a high-level church dignitary. The word was applied to those high-ranking clergymen around the beginning of the 13th century, the Middle English coming from the Middle French prelat. As the church's importance increased, so did the importance implied by the word prelate. Ambrose Bierce referred to a prelate as "one of Heaven's aristocracy."

Example Sentences

On Monday, Hullerman was suspended from his current position, and his supervisor, Prelate Josef Obermaier, resigned.

From Time • Mar. 16, 2010

His supervisor, Prelate Josef Obermaier, resigned, according to the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising.

From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2010

Gromier, French Prelate, and preceded the pontifical mass.

From Time Magazine Archive

Presumably his inauguration is assured for next December, and last week Prelate Ruiz hinted broadly that he had received assurances from President-Apparent Obregon that better times are coming to Mexican Roman Catholics.

From Time Magazine Archive

As this Prelate has not his Equal at Vienna for Grandeur and Riches, so he has not his Fellow for Magnificence.

From The Memoirs of Charles-Lewis, Baron de Pollnitz, Volume I Being the Observations He Made in His Late Travels from Prussia thro' Germany, Italy, France, Flanders, Holland, England, &C. in Letters to His Friend. Discovering Not Only the Present State of the Chief Cities and Towns; but the Characters of the Principal Persons at the Several Courts. by P?llnitz, Karl Ludwig von

Related Words

• bishop