n. [ L. an elder, fr. Gr. &unr_;. See Priest. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
I rather term the one sort presbyter than priest. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]
New presbyter is but old priest writ large. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Of or pertaining to a presbyter or presbytery; presbyterial. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L. presbyteratus: cf. F. presbytérat. ] A presbytery; also, presbytership. Heber. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. A female presbyter. Bale. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ Cf. F. presbytéral. ] Presbyterian. “Presbyterial government.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. F. presbytérien. ] One who maintains the validity of ordination and government by presbyters; a member of the Presbyterian church. [ 1913 Webster ]
Reformed Presbyterians.
a. [ Cf. F. presbytérien. ] Of or pertaining to a presbyter, or to ecclesiastical government by presbyters; relating to those who uphold church government by presbyters; also, to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of a communion so governed. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. F. presbytérianisme. ] That form of church government which invests presbyters with all spiritual power, and admits no prelates over them; also, the faith and polity of the Presbyterian churches, taken collectively. [ 1913 Webster ]
‖n. [ L. ] (Arch.) Same as Presbytery, 4. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The office or station of a presbyter; presbyterate. [ 1913 Webster ]