Prelacy
Pronunciation : Prel"a*cy n.; pl. Prelacies.
Etymology : [LL. praelatia. See Prelate; cf. Prelaty.]
Definition : 1. The office or dignity of a prelate; church government by prelates. Prelacies may be termed the greater benefices. Ayliffe.
2. The order of prelates, taken collectively; the body of ecclesiastical dignitaries. "Divers of the reverend prelacy, and other most judicious men." Hooker.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913