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presbytery

noun pres·by·tery \ ˈprez-bə-ˌter-ē , ˈpres- , -bə-trē \

Definition of presbytery

plural presbyteries

1 :the part of a church reserved for the officiating clergy

2 :a ruling body in presbyterian churches consisting of the ministers and representative elders from congregations within a district

3 :the jurisdiction of a presbytery

4 :the house of a Roman Catholic parish priest

See presbytery defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of presbytery

Middle English & Late Latin; Middle English presbytory part of church reserved for clergy, from Late Latin presbyterium group of presbyters, part of church reserved for clergy, from Greek presbyterion group of presbyters, from presbyteros elder, priest

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First Known Use: 15th century

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PRESBYTERY Defined for English Language Learners

presbytery

noun

Definition of presbytery for English Language Learners

: a group of ministers and elders who are the leaders of the Presbyterian churches in a particular area
: the house where a Roman Catholic priest lives

Learn More about presbytery

See words that rhyme with presbytery Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about presbytery

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