presbyter
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


pres·by·ter

noun \ˈprez-bə-tər, ˈpres-\

Definition of PRESBYTER

1
: a member of the governing body of an early Christian church
2
: a member of the order of priests in churches having episcopal hierarchies that include bishops, priests, and deacons
3
: elder 4b
pres·byt·er·ate \prez-ˈbi-tə-rət, pres-, -ˌrāt\ noun

Origin of PRESBYTER

Late Latin, elder, priest, from Greek presbyteros, comparative of presbys old man, elder; akin to Greek pro before and Greek bainein to go — more at for, come
First Known Use: 1597

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: presbyteral
Previous Word in the Dictionary: presbyopia
All Words Near: presbyter

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up presbyter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

#6: Flabbergast
: to overwhelm with shock,
surprise, or wonder
See All Top 25 Entries »
Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More