The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Prelate \Prel"ate\, v. i.
   To act as a prelate. [Obs.]
   [1913 Webster]

         Right prelating is busy laboring, and not lording.
                                                  --Latimer.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Prelate \Prel"ate\ (?; 48), n. [F. pr['e]lat, LL. praelatus, fr.
   L. praelatus, used as p. p. of praeferre to prefer, but from
   a different root. See Elate.]
   A clergyman of a superior order, as an archbishop or a
   bishop, having authority over the lower clergy; a dignitary
   of the church.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: This word and the words derived from it are often used
         invidiously, in English ecclesiastical history, by
         dissenters, respecting the Established Church system.
         [1913 Webster]

               Hear him but reason in divinity, . . .
               You would desire the king were made a prelate.
                                                  --Shak.
         [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

prelate
    n 1: a senior clergyman and dignitary [syn: archpriest,
         hierarch, high priest, prelate, primate]

The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):

PRELATE, n.  A church officer having a superior degree of holiness and
a fat preferment.  One of Heaven's aristocracy.  A gentleman of God.