n.
Pronunciation: ' pre-l ə t also ' pr ē - ˌ l ā t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English prelat, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin praelatus, literally, one receiving preferment, from Latin (pp. of praeferre to prefer), from prae- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry ― more at TOLERATE , BEAR
Date: 13th century
: an ecclesiastic (as a bishop or abbot) of superior rank