prelate

[prel-it]

noun

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

prelate

/ prɪˈlætɪk, ˈprɛlɪt /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prelate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prelate¹

C13: from Old French prélat, from Church Latin praelātus, from Latin praeferre to hold in special esteem, _prefer

Example Sentences

Though not a fan of trips to the Vatican or of hierarchy and power plays, Bergoglio evidently earned the respect of his fellow senior prelates, the red-hatted “princes of the church.”

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Unlike the Roman prelate, though, Bukele is more than happy to keep his hands filthy with an unjust persecution.

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One of the most outspoken prelates has been Bishop Seraphim of Piraeus.

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The prelate's alarm was informed by the 24,000 election observers fielded by the Catholic and Protestant churches.

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The prelate noted the dilemma posed by “Fiducia Supplians,” released on Dec. 18, in which the church declares such blessings may be performed.

Read more on Washington Times

Related Words

• bishop