prelate

[ prel-it ]

noun

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

prelate

/ ˈprɛlɪt; prɪˈlætɪk /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• prelatic, adjective

Other Words From

• prelate·ship noun
• pre·lat·ic [pri-, lat, -ik], adjective
• nonpre·latic adjective
• unpre·latic 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

It is the first time a prelate has ever been known to be arrested inside Vatican City.

From The Daily Beast

True, Brazil was on the Vatican's agenda when Benedict XVI was pope and Bergoglio still an unsung prelate from the New World.

From The Daily Beast

Thomas Cooper, an English prelate, died; highly commended for his great learning and eloquence.

From Project Gutenberg

Thomas Sprat, an English prelate and poet, died; he was distinguished as a writer, and rewarded with preferments.

From Project Gutenberg

He was an Italian, and has the character of a great statesman, as well as a learned prelate.

From Project Gutenberg

William Warburton, bishop of Gloucester, died; an English prelate of great abilities.

From Project Gutenberg

Bora on April 27, 1852, this prelate was a man of great culture and a distinguished linguist, who had travelled considerably.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bishop