n.
Pronunciation: ' prez-b ə -t ə r, ' pres-
Function: noun
Etymology: Late Latin, elder, priest, from Greek presbyteros, comparative of presbys old man, elder; akin to Greek pro before and Greek bainein to go ― more at FOR , COME
Date: 1597
1 : a member of the governing body of an early Christian church
2 : a member of the order of priests in churches having episcopal hierarchies that include bishops, priests, and deacons
3 : ELDER 4B
– pres · byt · er · ate \ prez- ' bi-t ə -r ə t, pres-, - ˌ r ā t \ noun