prelacy

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 ]