presbytery

[ prez-bi-ter-ee, pres- ]

noun

, plural pres·by·ter·ies.

1. a body of presbyters or elders.
2. (in Presbyterian churches) an ecclesiastical court consisting of all the ministers and one or two presbyters from each congregation in a district.
3. the churches under the jurisdiction of a presbytery.
4. the part of a church appropriated to the clergy.
5. Roman Catholic Church. a rectory.

presbytery

/ ˈprɛzbɪtərɪ; -trɪ /

noun

1. Presbyterian Church
   1. a local Church court composed of ministers and elders
   2. the congregations or churches within the jurisdiction of any such court
2. the part of a cathedral or church east of the choir, in which the main altar is situated; sanctuary
3. presbyters or elders collectively
4. government of a church by presbyters or elders
5. RC Church the residence of a parish priest

Word History and Origins

Origin of presbytery¹

1375–1425; late Middle English presbetory, presbitory priests' bench, for Late Latin presbyterium group of elders < Greek presbytérion. See presbyter, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of presbytery¹

C15: from Old French presbiterie, from Church Latin presbyterium, from Greek presbyterion; see presbyter

Example Sentences

But, by holding Presbytery as alone of Divine origin, she would most effectively discountenance such unjust claims.

From Project Gutenberg

After a distinguished career he was, in 1746, licensed to preach by the presbytery of Aberdeen.

From Project Gutenberg

After further training at Edinburgh he was licensed as preacher by the presbytery of Lorne in 1821.

From Project Gutenberg

A few years later the presbytery went further than even the magistracy had already done.

From Project Gutenberg

On the north side, where the presbytery begins, is a queen's head, and on the opposite side a figure with a dog's head.

From Project Gutenberg