• (n.) That form of episcopacy in which the chief power is in the hands of archbishops. • (n.) The state or dignity of an archbishop.
Ar`chi·e·pis'co·pa·cy noun [ Prefix archi- + episcopacy .] 1. That form of episcopacy in which the chief power is in the hands of archbishops. 2. The state or dignity of an archbishop. 
a form of church government in which power is vested in archbishops.