See Also: prelate(dictionary)
prelate(dictionary)
PRELATE(law)

prelate (iou)



prelate noun. ME.
[Old & mod. French prelat from medieval Latin praelatus use as noun of pa. pple corresp. to Latin praeferre PREFER: see -ATE1.]
An ecclesiastical dignitary of high rank and authority, as a bishop, archbishop, or (now Hist.) an abbot or prior. ME.
b. A chief priest of a religion other than Christianity, esp. the Jewish religion. LME-E17.
gen. A person with superiority or authority; a chief, a superior. LME-L18.
prelatist noun a supporter or adherent of prelacy or episcopacy M17.
prelatry noun prelacy M17.