domestic prelate

American  

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

1. an honorary distinction conferred by the Holy See upon clergy, entitling them to some of the privileges of a bishop.

---

Etymology

Origin of domestic prelate

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

His services were recognized by the Pope, who four years ago invested him with the dignity of domestic prelate and the title of monsignor.

From Project Gutenberg

Monsignor Majelli, a domestic prelate to pope Benedict XIV., in his     dissertation on the Stylites, or religious men living on pillars,     represents the pillar of St. Simeon enclosed with rails around the     top.

From Project Gutenberg

Her talk was generally about our old school and my old schoolfellows, many of whom came to the convent for her "retreats," which were under the spiritual direction of one of the Pope's domestic prelates.

From Project Gutenberg