1. the office or position of a prior in a religious community
Usage: ecclesiastical
2. the term of office served by a prior
Usage: ecclesiastical
3. a religious house governed by a prior
Usage: ecclesiastical

Examples

• He was appointed to the priorate after years of faithful service.
• The priorate lasted for six years before he stepped down.
• The ancient priorate housed twelve monks.
• During his priorate, the monastery flourished.
• The priorate was established in the 12th century.
• She studied the history of the local priorate.