E*pis"co*pate (?), n. [L. episcopatus, fr. episcopus: cf. F. épiscopat. See Bishop.] 1. A bishopric; the office and dignity of a bishop.

2. The collective body of bishops.

3. The time of a bishop's rule.

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.]

Feeding the flock episcopating.