Main Entry:

prel·ate

Pronunciation:

\ˈpre-lət also ˈprē-ˌlāt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English prelat, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin praelatus, literally, one receiving preferment, from Latin (past participle of praeferre to prefer), from prae- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry — more at tolerate, bear

Date:

13th century

: an ecclesiastic (as a bishop or abbot) of superior rank