episcopalian
|e-pis-co-pa-li-an|
/ɪˌpɪskəˈpeɪliən/
related to bishops
Etymology
'episcopalian' originates in modern English from the adjective 'episcopal' plus the suffix '-ian', ultimately derived from Medieval Latin 'episcopalis' and from Late Latin/Latin 'episcopus', itself from Greek 'episkopos' (ἐπίσκοπος), where 'epi-' meant 'over' or 'upon' and 'skopos' meant 'watcher' or 'overseer'.
'episcopalian' was formed in English by adding the agent/relational suffix '-ian' to 'episcopal' (Modern English), which came via Middle English and Old French from Medieval Latin 'episcopalis'; Medieval Latin derived from Latin 'episcopus', which in turn came from Greek 'episkopos'.
Initially the root sense meant 'overseer' (the Greek 'episkopos'); over time the term 'episcopal' came to mean 'of or relating to bishops', and 'episcopalian' later acquired the additional sense 'a member/supporter of the Episcopal Church' (especially in the U.S.).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member of the Episcopal Church (especially in the United States) or a person who supports episcopal polity (church governance by bishops); often capitalized when referring to church members.
She is an Episcopalian and attends the Episcopal Church in her town.
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Adjective 1
relating to bishops or to the system of church government by bishops (episcopacy); pertaining to the Episcopal Church.
The diocese follows an episcopalian structure with authority vested in bishops.
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Last updated: 2025/10/27 05:56