Emily Dickinson Lexicon

E-PIS'CO-PA-CY, n. [L. episcopatus; Sp. obispado; Port. bispado; It. episcopato; from the Gr. επισκοπεω, to inspect; επι and σκοπεω, to see. See Bishop.]

1. Government of the church by bishops; that form of ecclesiastical government, in which diocesan bishops are established, as distinct from and superior to priests or presbyters. Encyc.
2. Watch; careful inspection. James.