1. The system, practices, or principles of church government by prelates (bishops and other high-ranking clergy); ecclesiastical hierarchy and authority vested in prelates.
Usage: Usually used in religious or historical contexts; Often used in discussions of church governance and reform
2. Beliefs, doctrines, or practices associated with or characteristic of prelates; the ideology or conduct typical of prelates.
Usage: Often used critically or polemically

Examples

• The Reformation challenged prelatisms that had dominated European churches for centuries.
• Critics of prelatisms argued that church authority should not rest solely with bishops.
• Many Protestant denominations rejected prelatisms in favor of more democratic church structures.
• The debate over prelatisms shaped the development of different Christian traditions.
• Prelatisms emphasized the hierarchical authority of church leadership.
• Some theologians viewed prelatisms as incompatible with scriptural principles of equality.