prelacy

American  

[prel-uh-see] / ˈprɛl ə si /

noun

plural

prelacies

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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Etymology

Origin of prelacy

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

Example Sentences

"The generality of the people," wrote Sharpe, a shrewd Scotch observer, from London, "are doting after Prelacy and the Service-book."

From History of the English People, Volume VI Puritan England, 1642-1660; The Revolution, 1660-1683 by Green, John Richard

Perchance such may be in via perficiendorum, which Divines allow to Monasticall life, but not perfectorum, which by them is only due to Prelacy.

From Letters to Severall Persons of Honour by Donne, John

Were either of those two materials of Prelacy?

From The Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2) by Gillespie, George

But the arrangements now described were gradually subverted by episcopal encroachments, and a separate chapter must be devoted to the illustration of the progress of Prelacy.

From The Ancient Church Its History, Doctrine, Worship, and Constitution by Killen, W. D. (William Dool)

But when Prelacy was re-imposed on Scotland, after the restoration of Charles II., the mean malice of the Prelatists gratified itself by breaking the tomb-stone.

From The Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2) by Gillespie, George

Related Words

• priesthood