Prel"ate (?; 48), n. [F. pr'elat, LL. praelatus, fr. L. praelatus, used as p. p. of praeferre to prefer, but from a different root. See Elate.]

A clergyman of a superior order, as an archbishop or a bishop, having authority over the lower clergy; a dignitary of the church.

This word and the words derived from it are often used invidiously, in English ecclesiastical history, by dissenters, respecting the Established Church system.

Hear him but reason in divinity, . . . You would desire the king were made a prelate. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


Prel"ate (?), v. i.

To act as a prelate.

[Obs.]

Right prelating is busy laboring, and not lording. Latimer.

 

© Webster 1913.