noun
primate
A bishop with the highest rank in a country's or region's church.
The primate gathers the country's bishops to discuss church affairs.
Etymology
The Latin title means someone of first rank. The church applies it to a bishop holding precedence within a country or region.
More examples
- She serves as primate of the national church.
- The archbishop holds the title of primate.
- Primates from several countries meet to discuss their churches' shared concerns.
Forms
primate · primates
primacy noun — The rank or office of a primate.
Similar words
- archbishop
- Heads an archdiocese but is not necessarily a country's highest bishop.
- bishop
- Leads a diocese without necessarily holding the highest regional rank.