'Prelacy' definitions:

Definition of 'prelacy'

noun

Prelates collectively [syn: prelacy, prelature]

noun

The office or station of a prelate [syn: prelacy, prelature]

From: GCIDE

Prelacy \Prel"a*cy\, n.; pl. Prelacies. [LL. praelatia. See Prelate; cf. Prelaty.]
1. The office or dignity of a prelate; church government by prelates. [1913 Webster]
Prelacies may be termed the greater benefices. --Ayliffe. [1913 Webster]
2. The order of prelates, taken collectively; the body of ecclesiastical dignitaries. "Divers of the reverend prelacy, and other most judicious men." --Hooker. [1913 Webster]