prelate

[ prel-it ]

noun

1. an ecclesiastic of a high order, as an archbishop, bishop, etc.; a church dignitary.

prelate

/ prɪˈlætɪk; ˈprɛlɪt /

noun

1. a Church dignitary of high rank, such as a cardinal, bishop, or abbot

Derived Forms

• prelatic, adjective

Other Words From

• prelate·ship noun
• pre·lat·ic [pri-, lat, -ik], adjective
• nonpre·latic adjective
• unpre·latic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prelate¹

1175–1225; Middle English prelat < Medieval Latin praelātus a civil or ecclesiastical dignitary, noun use of Latin praelātus (past participle of praeferre to prefer ), equivalent to prae- pre- + lātus, suppletive past participle of ferre to bear ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of prelate¹

C13: from Old French prélat, from Church Latin praelātus, from Latin praeferre to hold in special esteem, prefer

Example Sentences

The statement was signed off by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, an Argentine prelate who is a theological adviser to Francis.

From Seattle Times

The prelate's alarm was informed by the 24,000 election observers fielded by the Catholic and Protestant churches.

From BBC

The prelate noted the dilemma posed by “Fiducia Supplians,” released on Dec. 18, in which the church declares such blessings may be performed.

From Washington Times

The prelate labeled the view that such blessings were a “first step” towards the acceptance of same-sex marriage as “totally incorrect,” saying those who believe that “has either not read the text or is ‘in a bad mood,’” the newspaper reported.

From Washington Times

And so it emerged in late 2022, when Perlasca was being questioned on the stand, that Chaouqui had engaged in an elaborate plot with a Perlasca family friend to persuade the prelate to turn on Becciu.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bishop