prelacy
/ˈprɛləsi/
noun
- The office, rank, or system of government by prelates (high-ranking church officials, such as bishops or archbishops).
- The church's structure was dominated by a wealthy prelacy.
- The prelacy in that country has been a powerful political force for centuries.
- He wrote a book criticizing the wealth and power of the prelacy.
- The body of prelates collectively; the highest-ranking clergy.
- Many members of the prelacy opposed the new translation of the liturgy.
- The prelacy of the medieval era often lived in great luxury.
- The prelacy gathered for the council to discuss church reforms.
Synonyms