Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRE-ROG'A-TIVE-COURT, n.

In Great Britain, a court for the trial of all testamentary causes, where the deceased has left bona notobilia, or effects of the value of five pounds, in two different dioceses. In this case, the probate of the will belongs to the metropolitan or archbishop of the province, and the court where such will is proved is called the prerogative-court, as it is held by virtue of the special prerogative of the metropolitan, who appoints the judge. – Blackstone.