presbyter Meaning, Definition & Usage

Pres"by*ter noun

Etymology

L. an elder, fr. Gr. . See Priest.

Definitions

1. An elder in the early Christian church. See 2d Citation under Bishop, n., 1.
2. (Ch. of Eng. & Prot. Epis. Ch.) One ordained to the second order in the ministry; -- called also priest.

   I rather term the one sort presbyter than priest. Hooker.

   New presbyter is but old priest writ large. Milton.

3. (Presbyterian Ch.) A member of a presbytery whether lay or clerical.
4. A Presbyterian. Obs. Hudibras.