presbytery

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   in Presbyterian churches, a governing council of ministers and elected elders from congregations in a district

   The presbytery approved the minister's appointment after examining her credentials.

2. 2
   noun

   the group of congregations or district governed by such a council

   Representatives from every congregation in the presbytery attended the meeting.

3. 3
   noun

   a priest's residence, or the part of a church reserved for officiating clergy

   The parish priest received visitors in the presbytery beside the church.

From Middle English presbetory and Late Latin presbyterium ('body of elders; part of a church for clergy'), from Greek presbyterion, based on presbyteros ('elder'). The institutional, territorial, residential, and architectural senses all grew from the role of church elders or priests.

Topics

External links

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