Definition of "primate"
primate1
/ˈpɹaɪmeɪt/
primate2
/ˈpɹaɪmeɪt/
noun
plural primates
(ecclesiastical) In the Orthodox Church, the presiding bishop of an ecclesiastical jurisdiction or region. Usually, the expression primate refers to the first hierarch of an autocephalous or autonomous Orthodox church. Less often, it is used to refer to the ruling bishop of an archdiocese or diocese.