adjective
episcopal
ih-PIS-kuh-pul/ɪˈpɪskəpl/
Relating to bishops or a church governed by bishops.
The bishop exercises episcopal authority over churches in his diocese.
Etymology
An 'over-watcher' was an overseer, a title adopted for spiritual supervision. Episcopal therefore describes bishops as church overseers, or a church organized under their authority.
In context
In the United Methodist Church (the United States and some other countries), a bishop is given oversight over a geographical area called an episcopal area.
More examples
- Her episcopal duties include ordaining new priests.
- In an episcopal system, bishops oversee local congregations.
- The council seeks episcopal approval for the proposed changes.
Forms
episcopacy noun — A system of church government by bishops.
episcopate noun — The office or rank of a bishop.
Similar words
- ecclesiastical
- Relates to the church generally, not specifically to bishops.