/
ˈprɛzbɪtə/
n.
historical an elder or minister of the Christian Church.
▸(in Presbyterian Churches) an elder.
▸(in episcopal Churches) a minister of the second order, under the authority of a bishop.
Derivative
- presbyteral
/-ˈbɪt(ə)r(ə)l/
adj. - presbyterate n.
- presbyterial adj.
- presbytership n.
Etymology
C16: via eccles. L. from Gk presbuteros ‘elder’, compar. of presbus ‘old (man)’.