prelate
[prel-it]
- an ecclesiastic of a high order, as an archbishop, bishop, etc.; a church dignitary.
Show More
Origin of prelate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for prelate
Contemporary Examples
It is the first time a prelate has ever been known to be arrested inside Vatican City.
Historical Examples
It needed but that to add fresh fuel to the fiery mood of the prelate.
The White CompanyArthur Conan Doyle
But the prelate had kept counsel, and meant to keep it; and he looked away again.
The ChanningsMrs. Henry Wood
It certainly was a pretty situation, as the prelate remarked.
The ChanningsMrs. Henry Wood
"A more sensible thought than the other," observed the prelate.
The ChanningsMrs. Henry Wood
"No, no, you are not losing your time," replied the prelate.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
prelate
- a Church dignitary of high rank, such as a cardinal, bishop, or abbot
Show More
Word Origin
C13: from Old French prélat, from Church Latin praelātus, from Latin praeferre to hold in special esteem, prefer
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for prelate
n.
c.1200, from Old French prelat (Modern French prélate) and directly from Medieval Latin prelatus "clergyman of high rank," from Latin praelatus "one preferred," noun use of past participle of praeferre (see prefer), from prae "before" (see pre-) + latus "borne, carried" (see oblate (n.)).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper