Category:Presbytery

Pres"by*ter*y, n.; pl. Presbyteries. Etym: [l. presbyterium, gr. Presbyter, and cf. Presbyterium.]

1. A body of elders in the early christian church.

2. (presbyterian ch.)

Defn: 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.