episcopate

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

episcopate
    n 1: the term of office of a bishop
    2: the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop [syn: {diocese},
       {bishopric}, {episcopate}]
    3: the collective body of bishops [syn: {episcopacy},
       {episcopate}]
    4: the office and dignity of a bishop [syn: {bishopry},
       {episcopate}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Episcopate \E*pis"co*pate\, n. [L. episcopatus, fr. episcopus:
   cf. F. ['e]piscopat. See {Bishop}.]
   1. A bishopric; the office and dignity of a bishop.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The collective body of bishops.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. The time of a bishop's rule.
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from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Episcopate \E*pis"co*pate\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Episcopated};
   p. pr. & vb. n. {Episcopating}.]
   To act as a bishop; to fill the office of a prelate. [Obs.]
   [1913 Webster]

         Feeding the flock episcopating.          --Milton.
   [1913 Webster]

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