Prelate

prel′āt, n. the holder of one of those higher dignities in the church to which, of their own right, is attached a proper jurisdiction, not derived by delegation from any superior official: a church dignitary.— ns. Prel′acy , the office of a prelate: the order of bishops or the bishops collectively: church government by prelates: episcopacy; Prel′ateship .— adjs. Prelat′ic , -al , pertaining to prelates or prelacy.— adv. Prelat′ically .— v.t. and v.i. Prel′atise , to make or to become prelatical.— ns. Prel′atism , Prel′ature , prelacy: the time during which a prelate exercises authority; Prel′atist , an upholder of prelacy. [Fr. prélat —L. prelatus — præ , before, lat us , borne.]