CultureSeptember 1, 2026
prelate
PREL-it
Definition
A high-ranking member of the clergy, such as a bishop or an archbishop, who holds official jurisdiction within the Church.
Etymology
The word originates from the Latin 'praelatus,' meaning 'preferred' or 'carried in front,' referring to a person placed in authority over others. It entered English through Old French and Middle English as a formal title for a superior ecclesiastical officer.
In the news
In the article, the term is used to describe the diocesan bishop who skeptically assigns a modern church building to a traditionalist group, highlighting his authoritative role in church governance.
When Tradition Inspires Fiction
Read the full article ↗Crisis Magazine