noun
- plural of prelature; the offices, positions, or jurisdictions of prelates (high-ranking church officials such as bishops)
Usage: ecclesiastical
Examples
- The cardinal oversaw several prelatures in the region.
- Medieval prelatures wielded considerable political power.
- The reform movement affected prelatures throughout Europe.
- He studied the administrative structure of various prelatures.
- The pope appointed new leaders to vacant prelatures.
- Historical records document the wealth of these prelatures.