prelacy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Ecclesiastical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “prelacy” mean?
The office or position of a prelate (a high-ranking member of the clergy, such as a bishop or archbishop).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The office or position of a prelate (a high-ranking member of the clergy, such as a bishop or archbishop).
1) The system of church government by prelates. 2) Prelates collectively, as a group or body.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally rare and formal in both varieties, primarily found in historical or theological contexts. No significant spelling or definition differences.
Connotations
In British English, its historical connection to the Church of England and debates around church governance is more pronounced. In American English, it's often used more generically to refer to hierarchical church structures, especially in Catholic or Anglican contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, encountered almost exclusively in specialized religious, historical, or political writing.
Grammar
How to Use “prelacy” in a Sentence
the prelacy of [person/institution]opposition to prelacya system of prelacyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prelacy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and political science contexts discussing church-state relations or ecclesiastical history.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A technical term within ecclesiology (the study of church structure).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “prelacy”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “prelacy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prelacy”
- Misspelling as 'prelasy' or 'prelacey'. Confusing it with 'prelate' (the person) rather than the system/office.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word used almost exclusively in historical, theological, or ecclesiastical writing.
A 'prelate' is an individual high-ranking clergyman (e.g., a bishop). 'Prelacy' refers to the office or system of such clergy, or to them as a collective body.
Yes, particularly in Protestant or Reformed historical contexts, it can imply criticism of an authoritarian, wealthy, or politically entangled church hierarchy.
No, there is no standard verb derived from 'prelacy'. The related noun is 'prelate'.
The office or position of a prelate (a high-ranking member of the clergy, such as a bishop or archbishop).
Prelacy is usually formal, ecclesiastical, historical in register.
Prelacy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprɛləsi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprɛləsi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The word itself is often part of historical/religious phrases like 'the yoke of prelacy'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PRE' (before, in rank) + 'LACY' (like fancy lace worn by high-ranking clergy). Prelacy puts the 'pre' (high-ranking) clergy in their place.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHURCH HIERARCHY IS A LADDER/RANKING SYSTEM (with prelacy representing the upper rungs).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'prelacy' MOST appropriately used?