prelacy

American  

[prel-uh-see] / ˈprɛl ə si /

noun

• prelacies
  plural

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.

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prelacy British  

/ ˈprɛləsɪ /

noun

1. Also called: prelature.

   1. the office or status of a prelate

   2. prelates collectively

2. Also called: prelatism. derogatory government of the Church by prelates

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• prelacies
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of prelacy

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

prelacy prelacies

The Sovereign Pontiff and the flower of the Roman prelacy begged her to take up her residence in the Eternal City, but she could not be prevailed upon to leave the land of her birth.

From Woman in Science With an Introductory Chapter on Woman's Long Struggle for Things of the Mind by John Augustine Zahm

But even from this, one of its last places of refuge, was prelacy now about to be driven.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 4 by Various

It fell into decay in less than two centuries and necessitated a rebuilding during the prelacy of Bishop Athelstan, between 1012 and 1015.

From Cathedral Cities of England by George Gilbert

The element of absolutism and prelacy was controlling.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Noah Webster

His prelacy was revealed by the purple at his throat.

From London Days A Book of Reminiscences by Arthur Warren

My honour and my manly dignity are of greater value in my eyes than all your livings, prelacies, and mitres; and I am ready to defend my honour against every one, even against Dr. Ritter.

From John Ronge: The Holy Coat Of Treves New German-Catholic Chruch by Anonymous

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Related Words

• priesthood

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