presbyter Hear it!

presbyter Definition

pres·by·ter (prez′bi tər, pres′-)

noun

  1. in the early Christian church and in the Presbyterian Church, an elder
  2. in the Episcopal Church, a priest

Etymology: LL(Ec), an elder: see priest

presbyter Synonyms

presbyter

n.

pastor, priest, clergyman; see minister 1.

presbyter Usage Examples

Converse of subject

  • govern: But this is not the sum total of the societies that are governed by presbyters.

Converse of object

  • ordain: Of royal blood, Columba was ordained a presbyter in his native Ireland.
  • become: He subsequently became a presbyter in the Roman church and adopted heretical opinions.

Adjective modifier

  • chief: But Luke had been the chief presbyter when the Church was founded, and for a few years thereafter.
  • senior: In classical catholic theology the Bishop is clearly a senior presbyter.
  • only: He reads the Bible also, and deduces that there should be no bishops, but only presbyters.
  • Alexandrian: The Alexandrian presbyter Arius had in 318 accused his bishop Alexander of heresy.