PRESBYTERIES
Noun
presbyteries
plural of presbytery
Source: Wiktionary
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.)
Definition: 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition