Pres"by*ter*y (?), n.;
pl. Presbyteries (#). [L. presbyterium, Gr. &?;. See Presbyter, and cf. Presbyterium.]
1.
A body of
elders in the early Christian church.
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.
3. The Presbyterian religion of polity. [R.]
Tatler.
4. (a) (Arch.) That part of
the church reserved for the officiating priest.
(b) The residence of a priest or clergyman. Gwilt.
Hear it pronounced