Pres"by*ter (?), n. [L. an elder, fr. Gr. . See Priest.]

1.

An elder in the early Christian church. See 2d Citation under Bishop, n., 1.

2. Ch. of Eng. & Prot. Epis. Ch.

One ordained to the second order in the ministry; -- called also priest.

I rather term the one sort presbyter than priest. Hooker.

New presbyter is but old priest writ large. Milton.

3. Presbyterian Ch.

A member of a presbytery whether lay or clerical.

4.

A Presbyterian.

Hudibras.

© Webster 1913.