prelate
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Prelate \Prel"ate\ (?; 48), n. [F. pr['e]lat, 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.
[1913 Webster]
Note: This word and the words derived from it are often used
invidiously, in English ecclesiastical history, by
dissenters, respecting the Established Church system.
[1913 Webster]
Hear him but reason in divinity, . . .
You would desire the king were made a prelate.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
from
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906)
PRELATE, n. A church officer having a superior degree of holiness and
a fat preferment. One of Heaven's aristocracy. A gentleman of God.
from
Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0
36 Moby Thesaurus words for "prelate":
Grand Penitentiary, Holy Father, abuna, antipope, archbishop,
archdeacon, archpriest, bishop, bishop coadjutor, canon, cardinal,
cardinal bishop, cardinal deacon, cardinal priest, chaplain,
coadjutor, curate, dean, diocesan, ecclesiarch, exarch, hierarch,
high priest, metropolitan, papa, patriarch, penitentiary, pontiff,
pope, prebendary, primate, rector, rural dean, subdean, suffragan,
vicar
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