prelature

noun

prel·​a·​ture ˈpre-lə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce prelature (audio)
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
1
2
: a body of prelates

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prelature was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near prelature

Cite this Entry

“Prelature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prelature. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!