Pres"by*ter*y (?), n.; pl. Presbyteries (#). [L. presbyterium, Gr. . See Presbyter, and cf. Presbyterium.]

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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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