Defn: Same as Presbytery, 4.
PRESBYTERSHIP
Pres"by*ter*ship, n.
Defn: The office or station of a presbyter; presbyterate.
PRESBYTERY
Pres"by*ter*y, n.; pl. Presbyteries. Etym: [L. presbyterium, Gr.
Presbyter, and cf. Presbyterium.]
1. A body of elders in the early Christian church.
2. (Presbyterian Ch.)
Defn: A judicatory consisting of all the ministers within a certain district, and one layman, who is a ruling elder, from each parish or church, commissioned to represent the church in conjunction with the pastor. This body has a general jurisdiction over the churches under its care, and next below the provincial synod in authority.
3. The Presbyterian religion of polity. [R.] Tatler.
4. (a) (Arch.) That part of the church reserved for the officiating priest. (b) The residence of a priest or clergyman. Gwilt.
PRESBYTIA
Pres*byt"i*a n. Etym: [NL. See Presbyte.] (Med.)