/
ˈprɛzbɪt(ə)ri/
n.
(pl. presbyteries)
-
[treated as sing. or pl.]
a body of Church elders, especially (in Presbyterian Churches) an administrative court representing the congregations of a district.
▸a district represented by such a body.
- the house of a Roman Catholic parish priest.
- chiefly Architecture the eastern part of a church chancel beyond the choir.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. presbiterie, via eccles. L. from Gk presbuterion, from presbuteros (see presbyter).
