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.