'prelatic' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'praelaticus', where 'prae-' meant 'before' and the element related to 'ferre' meant 'to carry/bring'.

'prelatic' changed from Medieval Latin word 'praelaticus', itself formed from Late Latin 'praelatus' (past participle of 'praeferre'), and from the noun 'prelate' (via Old/Middle French and Middle English formations), eventually becoming the modern English adjective 'prelatic'.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to someone set before others or preferred (a person set above)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to a prelate (a high-ranking member of the clergy)'.