/
ˈprɛlət/
n.
formal or
historical a bishop or other high ecclesiastical dignitary.
Derivative
- prelatic
/prɪˈlatɪk/
adj. - prelatical adj.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. prelat, from med. L. praelatus ‘civil dignitary’, past part. (used as n.) of L. praeferre ‘carry before’, also ‘place before in esteem’.