\E*pis"co*pate\, n. [L. episcopatus, fr. episcopus:
cf. F. ['e]piscopat. 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.          --Milton.