noun
prelate
PREL-ut/ˈprelət/
A high-ranking member of the clergy, such as a bishop.
The prelate wears a mitre and holds a crozier as signs of his clerical rank.
Etymology
The image is of someone 'carried before' others, hence preferred or advanced in rank. In church use, this became a title for a high-ranking cleric.
In context
the palace as well as in the cottage, and it was only for very good cause that a King could be expected to cross the purposes of so high a prelate as the Abbot of Waverley
More examples
- Several prelates attend the installation of the new bishop.
- As a senior prelate, she helps shape church policy.
- The visiting prelate leads the congregation in prayer.
Forms
prelate · prelates
prelacy noun — The rank or office of a prelate.