presbyter

noun pres·by·ter \ 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

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presbyterate

play \prez-ˈbi-tə-rət, pres-, -ˌrāt\ noun

See presbyter defined for kids

Recent Examples of presbyter from the Web

The Rev. Allen D. Timm, executive presbyter of the Presbytery Church in Detroit, said the church is waiting to hear from the general assembly as to when volunteers will be dispatched to Houston.

— allie gross, Detroit Free Press, "Metro Detroit mobilizes for Harvey victims: Here's how you can help," 29 Aug. 2017
Before coming to Birmingham, Webster had served 18 years as executive presbyter of the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca in southern New Mexico.

— greg garrison, AL.com, "Birmingham's First Presbyterian pastor plans to retire," 19 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'presbyter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year