'prelate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praelatus', where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'latus' meant 'carried'.

'prelate' changed from Ecclesiastical Latin 'praelatus' and Old French 'prelat' and eventually became the modern English word 'prelate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'one put before' or 'preferred person', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a high-ranking member of the clergy'.