Category:Prelacy

Prel"a*cy n.; pl. Prelacies. Etym: [ll. praelatia. See prelate; cf. Prelaty.]

1. The office or dignity of a prelate; church government by prelates. Prelacies may be termed the greater benefices. Ayliffe.

2. The order of prelates, taken collectively; the body of Ecclesiastical dignitaries. "divers of the reverend prelacy, and Other most judicious men." Hooker.