prelacy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun prelates collectively
    prelature.
  2. noun the office or station of a prelate
    prelature.

WordNet

Prel"a*cy noun
Etymology
LL. praelatia. See Prelate; cf. Prelaty.
Wordforms
plural Prelacies
Definitions
  1. The office or dignity of a prelate; church government by prelates.
    Prelacies may be termed the greater benefices. Ayliffe.
  2. The order of prelates, taken collectively; the body of ecclesiastical dignitaries. "Divers of the reverend prelacy, and other most judicious men." Hooker.

Webster 1913