cardinalate

[ kahr-dn-l-eyt ]

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.

1. the body of cardinals.
2. the office, rank, or dignity of a cardinal.

cardinalate

/ ˈkɑːdɪnəˌleɪt /

noun

1. the rank, office, or term of office of a cardinal
2. the cardinals collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardinalate¹

First recorded in 1635–45; cardinal + -ate ³

Example Sentences

Renouncing the rights of the cardinalate is especially rare.

From Washington Post

In the one-sentence announcement, the Holy See said only that Francis had accepted Becciu’s resignation as prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints “and his rights connected to the cardinalate.”

From Seattle Times

In 1917, the Holy See changed canon law, restricting the cardinalate to the ordained.

From The New Yorker

Pope Francis accepted his resignation from the cardinalate and has ordered his suspension from the exercise of any public ministry.”

From Seattle Times

About the middle of the century, the merits of the Inquisitor Nicholas Roselli earned him the cardinalate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• priesthood