What does catholicate mean?
The term 'catholicate' refers to a see or diocese that is governed by a bishop who has authority over several other sees or dioceses. This type of ecclesiastical jurisdiction was common in the medieval period, particularly in the Eastern Christian tradition. The Catholicate of the East was a notable example of such a jurisdiction, with the bishop of the Catholicate overseeing several smaller dioceses. The term is primarily used in historical or ecclesiastical contexts to refer to this specific type of see or diocese. While it is not a commonly used term in modern English, it is an important part of the history of Christianity and continues to be studied by scholars and historians.
nounA see or diocese that is governed by a bishop who has authority over several other sees or dioceses.
- A see or diocese that is governed by a bishop who has authority over several other sees or dioceses.
"The Catholicate of the East was a major ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the medieval period."
"The Catholicate of the East was a major ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the medieval period."
"The bishop of the Catholicate oversaw several smaller dioceses."
The plural form 'catholicates' is used to refer to multiple sees or dioceses that are governed by a bishop who has authority over several other sees or dioceses.
"The Catholicates of the East and the West were two major ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the medieval period."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of catholicate
The term 'catholicate' is derived from the Greek word 'katholikos,' meaning 'universal' or 'general.' It is related to the Latin word 'catholica,' which refers to the universal church. The term has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to a see or diocese that is governed by a bishop who has authority over several other sees or dioceses.
How catholicate is actually used
The term 'catholicate' is primarily used in historical or ecclesiastical contexts to refer to a specific type of see or diocese.