E-pis'co-pa-cy, n.

n. [Lat. episcopatus, from episcopus, Gr. ἐπίσκοπος, overseer, bishop; It. episcopato, vescovado, Pr. evescat, Fr. évêché, Sp. obispado, Pg. bispado. See BISHOP.]

1. Oversight; watch; careful inspection. [Obs.]
2. Government of the church by bishops or prelates; that form of ecclesiastical government in which diocesan bishops are established, as distinct from, and superior to, priests or presbyters; government of the church by three distinct orders of ministers—bishops, priests, and deacons.