épiscopal

Episcopal is an adjective and noun used especially in Christian contexts to refer to matters pertaining to bishops or to the episcopate. The word comes from the Greek episkopos, "overseer," entering English via Latin episcopus. In church usage, episcopal denotes systems of governance headed by bishops (episcopal polity) and liturgical practices overseen by bishops.

Episcopal governance is characteristic of many Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and the Eastern Orthodox Church, among others. These churches organize territories into dioceses and appoint bishops who exercise spiritual and administrative authority within their jurisdiction. The term is also used for specific churches or provinces that maintain such bishop-led governance. In the United States, the Episcopal Church is the national province of the Anglican Communion; its members are commonly known as Episcopalians. Outside North America, the term "épiscopal" or "Épiscopal" is used in various languages to describe related concepts.

Related terms include episcopate (the office or collective body of bishops) and episcopal see—the bishop's chair or seat in a diocese. The adjective "episcopal" contrasts with "presbyterian" (governance by elders) or "congregational" (independence of each local church).