ˈprezbəˌterē, -resb-, -ri noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English presbytory, from Late Latin presbyterium group of presbyters, office of a presbyter, presbytery (part of a church where the clergy sit), from Greek presbyterion group of presbyters, office of a presbyter, from presbyteros presbyter, elder — more at priest
1.
a. : the division in an ancient church lying east of the sanctuary and containing the seats of the bishop and clergy
b. : the part of a church (as the choir or sanctuary or both) reserved for the officiating clergy
2. : a ruling body in Presbyterian churches consisting of all the ministers of and one or more representative elders from each of the congregations within a specific district, having legislative and judicial powers, and ranking in authority above the session but below the synod — compare classis , colloquy 2, consistory 2 d
3. : the district within which the congregations under the authority of a presbytery are situated : the jurisdiction of a presbytery
4. : the Presbyterian polity — compare episcopacy 1, independency
5. obsolete : presbyterate 2
6. : a body of presbyters in an early Christian church
7. : the house of a presbyter ; specifically : presbytère