Meanings
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1
noun
a Christian cleric of high rank or authority, such as a bishop, archbishop, or abbot
The senior prelate urged the bishops to adopt the proposed reforms.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Old French prelat and Medieval Latin praelatus ("high-ranking cleric; one set above others"), the noun use of Latin praelatus, past participle of praeferre ("to place before, prefer"). The history reflects a church official's elevation or preferment to high office.