prelature

[ prel-uh-cher, -choor ]

noun

1. the office of a prelate.
2. the order of prelates.
3. prelates collectively.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prelature¹

From the Medieval Latin word praelātūra, dating back to 1600–10. See prelate, -ure

Example Sentences

The “personal prelature” functions as if it were a diocese unto itself.

From Seattle Times

The status of “personal prelature,” similar to a diocese without specific boundaries, was introduced during the Second Vatican Council and until now has been given only to the conservative Opus Dei movement.

From New York Times

They suspected that they had been summoned for the very purpose they had indignantly denied, to make the papacy more absolute by abdicating in favour of the official prelature of Rome.

From Project Gutenberg

Bishop Bilson, who was said by an admirer to carry prelature in his very aspect, furthered later on the divorce of Lord and Lady Essex.

From Project Gutenberg

At the close of his interviews with Francis and Dominic,- 264 - he communicated to them some of these thoughts, asking their advice as to the elevation of their friars to prelatures.

From Project Gutenberg