Category:Presbyter

Pres"by*ter, n. Etym: [l. an elder, fr. Gr. Priest.]

1. An elder in the early christian church. See 2d citation under Bishop, n., 1.

2. (ch. of eng. & prot. Epis. Ch.)

Defn: one ordained to the second order in the ministry; -- called Also priest. I rather term the one sort presbyter than priest. Hooker. New presbyter is but old priest writ large. Milton.

3. (presbyterian ch.)

Defn: a member of a presbytery whether lay or clerical.

4. A presbyterian. [obs.] Hudibras.