1. the office or rank of a prelate (high-ranking church official such as a bishop)
Usage: formal; ecclesiastical
2. the body of prelates collectively; high-ranking clergy as a group
Usage: formal; ecclesiastical
3. a system of church government by prelates
Usage: formal; ecclesiastical

Examples

• He was elevated to the prelacy after years of faithful service.
• The prelacy wielded considerable political influence in medieval times.
• Many Protestant denominations reject the concept of prelacy.
• The archbishop’s rise to prelacy was celebrated throughout the diocese.
• Critics argued that prelacy concentrated too much power in the hands of bishops.
• The prelacy met to discuss reforms within the church structure.