%scopate%

n. [ L. episcopatus, fr. episcopus: cf. F. épiscopat. See Bishop. ] 1. A bishopric; the office and dignity of a bishop. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The collective body of bishops. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The time of a bishop's rule. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Episcopated p. pr. & vb. n. Episcopating. ] To act as a bishop; to fill the office of a prelate. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Feeding the flock episcopating. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]