Episcopacy

e-pis′ko-pas-i, n. the government of the church by bishops: the office of a bishop: the period of office: the bishops, as a cla .— adj. Epis′copal , governed by bishops: belonging to or vested in bishops.— adj. Episcopā′lian , belonging to bishops, or government by bishops.— n. one who belongs to the Episcopal Church.— n. Episcopā′lianism , episcopalian government and doctrine.— adv. Epis′copally .— ns. Epis′copant ( Milt. ); Epis′copate , a bishopric: the office of a bishop: the order of bishops.— v.i. ( Milt. ) to act as a bishop.— v.t. Epis′copīse .— n. Epis′copy ( Milt. ), survey, superintendence. [L. episcopatus —Gr. episkopos , an overseer.]