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.
[Obs.]
Hudibras.
© Webster 1913.