[syn: bishopry, episcopate]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.
[1913 Webster]
2. The collective body of bishops.
[1913 Webster]
3. The time of a bishop's rule.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.]
[1913 Webster]
Feeding the flock episcopating. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
episcopate
n 1: the term of office of a bishop
2: the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop [syn: diocese,
bishopric, episcopate]
3: the collective body of bishops [syn: episcopacy,
episcopate]
4: the office and dignity of a bishop [syn: bishopry,
episcopate]