Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Episcopate \E*pis"co*pate\, n. [L. episcopatus, fr. episcopus:
   cf. F. ['e]piscopat. See {Bishop}.]
   1. A bishopric; the office and dignity of a bishop.

   2. The collective body of bishops.

   3. The time of a bishop's rule.

Episcopate \E*pis"co*pate\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Episcopated};
   p. pr. & vb. n. {Episcopating}.]
   To act as a bishop; to fill the office of a prelate. [Obs.]

         Feeding the flock episcopating.          --Milton.