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