PRELACY

prelacy. Prelacy, n. the dignity of a prelate, episcopacy

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Prel″a‐cy (?), n.; pl. Prelacies (#). [[LL. praelatia. See Prelate; cf. Prelaty.]] 1. 1. The office or dignity of a prelate; church government by prelates.
Prelacies may be termed the greater benefices. Ayliffe. 2. 2. The order of prelates, taken collectively; the body of ecclesiastical dignitaries. “Divers of the reverend prelacy, and other most judicious men.” Hooker.