presbytery Meaning, Definition & Usage

Pres"by*ter*y noun

Etymology

L. presbyterium, Gr. . See Presbyter, and cf. Presbyterium.

Wordforms

plural Presbyteries

Definitions

1. A body of elders in the early Christian church.
2. (Presbyterian Ch.) A judicatory consisting of all the ministers within a certain district, and one layman, who is a ruling elder, from each parish or church, commissioned to represent the church in conjunction with the pastor. This body has a general jurisdiction over the churches under its care, and next below the provincial synod in authority.
3. The Presbyterian religion of polity. R. Tatler.
4. (a) (Arch.) That part of the church reserved for the officiating priest. (b) The residence of a priest or clergyman. Gwilt.