prelacy noun. ['prɛlǝsi] ME.
[Anglo-Norman prelacie from medieval Latin prelatia, from praelatus PRELATE: see -ACY.]
1. The position, or office, or rank of prelate. ME.

2. The authority of a prelate; ecclesiastical power; the authority of any superior. ME-L16.

3. Ecclesiastical dignitaries collectively. LME.

4. The system of church government by prelates or bishops. Freq. derog. LME.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲