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

The church linked to the school is a member of the presbytery, which includes congregations in middle Tennessee and southwestern Kentucky.

From Washington Times

Grant said the presbytery doesn’t have a formal security program for its churches and schools but that members have worked together to share best practices and improve safety.

From Seattle Times

It is not just the black and white photograph of Huguette outside a French presbytery that has remained close to Reg all this time, it was the hope of one day tracking down her down.

From BBC

Sister Mary Ross, 79, lived in the presbytery next door and was awoken by the blaze.

From BBC

In the lead-up to the debate, a report to the General Assembly showed that 29 of 42 presbyteries supported the change, which would also allow Kirk buildings to be used for gay weddings.

From BBC