episcopacy

[ ih-pis-kuh-puh-see ]

noun

, plural e·pis·co·pa·cies.

1. government of the church by bishops; church government in which there are three distinct orders of ministers, namely bishops, priests or presbyters, and deacons.
2. episcopate.

episcopacy

/ ɪˈpɪskəpəsɪ /

noun

1. government of a Church by bishops
2. another word for episcopate

Word History and Origins

Origin of episcopacy¹

First recorded in 1640–50; episcop(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

John Penry, an English controversial writer, executed for heresy against the episcopacy.

From Project Gutenberg

In the summer season Bishop Cautin inhabited a villa situated not far from the city of Clermont, the seat of his episcopacy.

From Project Gutenberg

Apart altogether, however, from the question of orders, episcopacy represents a very special conception of the Christian Church.

From Project Gutenberg

Episcopacy, as it had existed, had few supporters in England outside the ranks of the bishops.

From Project Gutenberg

They were met by open rebellion on the part of the Prussian episcopacy.

From Project Gutenberg