Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Prelacy \Prel"a*cy\, n.; pl. {Prelacies}. [LL. praelatia. See
   {Prelate}; cf. {Prelaty}.]
   1. The office or dignity of a prelate; church government by
      prelates.

            Prelacies may be termed the greater benefices.
                                                  --Ayliffe.

   2. The order of prelates, taken collectively; the body of
      ecclesiastical dignitaries. ``Divers of the reverend
      prelacy, and other most judicious men.'' --Hooker.

Source : WordNet®

prelacy
     n 1: prelates collectively [syn: {prelature}]
     2: the office or station of a prelate [syn: {prelature}]