cardinalate

[ kahr-dn-l-eyt ]

/ ˈkɑr dn lˌeɪt /

the body of cardinals.

the office, rank, or dignity of a cardinal.

Origin of cardinalate

First recorded in 1635–45; cardinal + -ate³

A treasurer who enriches himself and robs the exchequer may be promoted to the cardinalate, but cannot be censured.

Pilgrimage from the Alps to the Tiber |James Aitken Wylie
After his elevation to the Cardinalate the prince gave orders for his suitable conveyance to the Papal Court.

Saint Bonaventure |Rev. Fr. Laurence Costelloe, O.F.M.
He died in 1638, just as the cardinalate was to be conferred upon him.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 5 |Various
He'd have been on the high road to a cardinalate by this time if he'd stuck to the priesthood, for he had strong interest.

The Wit and Humor of America, Volume X (of X) |Various

About the middle of the century, the merits of the Inquisitor Nicholas Roselli earned him the cardinalate.

A History of The Inquisition of The Middle Ages; volume II |Henry Charles Lea

cardinalate

/ (ˈkɑːdɪnəˌleɪt) /

the rank, office, or term of office of a cardinal

the cardinals collectively