To ordain someone as a bishop or to organize or govern according to episcopal (bishop-led) principles, primarily used in British English.
From Late Latin 'episcopus' (bishop) plus the suffix '-ise' (British spelling of '-ize'). This verb form reflects the influence of episcopal church governance systems developed in Medieval Europe.
The British '-ise' ending versus American '-ize' isn't random—British English kept more Latin-influenced endings, which is why you see this spelling in Anglican church contexts where bishops have historic authority.
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