pro-prelacy
|pro-pre-la-cy|
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/proʊˈprɛləsi/
🇬🇧
/prəʊˈprɛləsi/
for bishops' rule
Etymology
'pro-prelacy' is formed from the prefix 'pro-' (from Latin 'pro') meaning 'for' + 'prelacy' (from 'prelate' + '-acy'), where 'prelate' ultimately comes from Latin 'praelatus'.
The element 'prelacy' derives from Medieval Latin/Old French forms related to Latin 'praelatus' (past participle associated with 'prae-' 'before' and the idea of being 'set over'), which entered Middle English as 'prelacie'/'prelacy'. The modern compound 'pro-prelacy' developed by combining the prefix 'pro-' with 'prelacy' to denote support for that system.
Originally the components signified simply 'for' (pro-) and 'the office or rule of prelates' (prelacy); over time the compound came to be used specifically to label persons or positions advocating episcopal (bishop-led) church governance.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the position or doctrine of supporting prelacy — the system of church government by prelates (bishops); advocacy of episcopal authority.
In the 17th-century debates the party identified as pro-prelacy defended bishops' jurisdiction against parliamentary reformers.
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Adjective 1
favoring or supportive of prelacy; describing persons, policies, or attitudes that endorse episcopal governance.
The council adopted a pro-prelacy stance in its ruling on church appointments.
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Last updated: 2025/11/16 04:48