1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a prelate or prelates
Usage: formal; ecclesiastical
2. supporting or favoring the authority of prelates in church government
Usage: formal; ecclesiastical

Examples

• The prelatic system emphasized the authority of bishops over local congregations.
• Many Puritans opposed prelatic forms of church governance.
• The prelatic hierarchy maintained strict control over religious doctrine.
• His prelatic views put him at odds with more democratic church members.
• The debate centered on prelatic versus congregational church structure.
• She criticized the prelatic tendencies of the new church leadership.