Prelacies

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Prelacy \Prel"a*cy\, n.; pl. {Prelacies}. [LL. praelatia. See
     {Prelate}; cf. {Prelaty}.]
     1. The office or dignity of a prelate; church government by
        prelates.
        [1913 Webster]
  


              Prelacies may be termed the greater benefices.
                                                    --Ayliffe.
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     2. The order of prelates, taken collectively; the body of
        ecclesiastical dignitaries. "Divers of the reverend
        prelacy, and other most judicious men." --Hooker.
        [1913 Webster]