presbyteries

Presbytery \Pres"by*ter*y\, n.; pl. {Presbyteries}. [L.
   presbyterium, Gr. ?. See {Presbyter}, and cf.
   {Presbyterium}.]
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   1. A body of elders in the early Christian church.
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   2. (Presbyterian Ch.) 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.
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   3. The Presbyterian religion of polity. [R.] --Tatler.
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   4.
      (a) (Arch.) That part of the church reserved for the
          officiating priest.
      (b) The residence of a priest or clergyman. --Gwilt.
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