1. The office, rank, or authority of a prelate (a high-ranking member of the clergy, such as a bishop or archbishop).
Usage: Usually plural; refers to the system or institution of church leadership by prelates.
2. The territory or jurisdiction under the control of a prelate.
Usage: Ecclesiastical term; refers to a diocese or similar administrative division.

Examples

• The prelacies of the medieval church wielded considerable political power.
• Different prelacies maintained their own distinct liturgical practices.
• The archbishop oversaw multiple prelacies across the region.
• Reformation critics challenged the authority of the prelacies.
• The prelacies were reorganized following the council's decisions.