abbacy
n.n. the position or office of an abbot. It refers to the leadership role in a large religious community.
n. the office, position, or state of an abbot. Often used in historical or ecclesiastical contexts to describe the highest rank within a monastic order.
He spent many years in the abbacy of the local monastery.
The transition of the abbacy was a significant event for the entire community, requiring a formal ceremony and the blessing of the bishop.
Scholars of medieval history often examine the political influence wielded by the abbacy, noting how these religious leaders frequently acted as de facto governors of vast tracts of land.
From Middle English abbathie, from Late Latin abbātia, from abbās, abbātis (“abbot”). Doublet of abbey and Opatija.