Episcopacy

In ecclesiastical law

A form of government by diocesan bishops; the office or condition of a bishop. EPISCOPALIA (Law Lat.) In ecclesiastical law. Synodals, or payments due the bishop. EPISCOPUS (Law Lat.) In civil law. A superintendent; an inspector. Those in each municipality who had the charge and oversight of the bread and other provisions which served the citizens for their daily food, were so called. Vicat; Du Cange.

A bishop

These bishops, or episcopi, were held to be the successors of the apostles, and have various titles at different times in history, and according to their different duties. It was applied generally to those who had authority, or were of peculiar sanctity. After the fall of the Roman empire, they came to have very considerable judicial powers. Du Cange; Vicat; Calv. Lex. EPISCOPUS ALTERIUS MANDATO quam regis non tenetur obtemperare.

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