episcopacy

noun

epis·​co·​pa·​cy i-ˈpi-skə-pə-sē 

plural episcopacies

1

: government of the church by bishops or by a hierarchy

2

: episcopate

Examples of episcopacy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Church of Nigeria has since rejected the appointment of women to the priesthood and episcopacy. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026

Trump’s relationship with the nation’s episcopacy, however, remains somewhat fraught. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 20 Dec. 2025

His subsequent ascent to the episcopacy, cardinalate, and eventually the papacy was against his will. — Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025

During this 35-year period, John Paul and Benedict remade the episcopacy in their image. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 13 July 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

episcopacy

noun

epis·​co·​pa·​cy i-ˈpis-kə-pə-sē 

plural episcopacies

1

: government of a church by bishops

2

: episcopate sense 2