Presbyteries

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Presbytery \Pres"by*ter*y\, n.; pl. {Presbyteries}. [L.
     presbyterium, Gr. ?. See {Presbyter}, and cf.
     {Presbyterium}.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. A body of elders in the early Christian church.
        [1913 Webster]


  
     2. (Presbyterian Ch.) 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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. The Presbyterian religion of polity. [R.] --Tatler.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4.
        (a) (Arch.) That part of the church reserved for the
            officiating priest.
        (b) The residence of a priest or clergyman. --Gwilt.
            [1913 Webster]