presbyterate

[ prez-bit-er-it, -uh-reyt, pres- ]

noun

1. the office of a presbyter or elder.
2. a body of presbyters or elders.

presbyterate

/ prɛzˈbɪtərɪt; -ˌreɪt /

noun

1. the status or office of a presbyter
2. a group of presbyters

Word History and Origins

Origin of presbyterate¹

From the Medieval Latin word presbyterātus, dating back to 1635–45. See presbyter, -ate ³

Example Sentences

“It seems to us that ours is a depressed presbyterate, and has been developing as such for 12 years, due to the leadership of Bishop Stika,” they wrote, saying that the consequences included their own mental health struggles.

From New York Times

“I know that, as a presbyterate in the midst of God’s people, you suffered greatly in the not-distant past by having to bear the shame of some of your brothers who harmed and scandalized the Church in the most vulnerable of her members,” according to a translation of his prepared remarks.

From Wall Street Journal

The bishop, with his presbyterate and diaconate, fitted to him as the strings to a harp, in the words of St. Ignatius, this was the instrument by which our Lord chose to take hold of the world.

From Project Gutenberg

Either Egypt or Syria would satisfy this condition, and in favour of Syria is the fact that the presbyterate there was to a late date regarded as a rank rather than an office.

From Project Gutenberg

This enlargement of the bishop’s parish and multiplication of the churches under his care led to a change in the functions of the presbyterate.

From Project Gutenberg