presbyter

noun pres·by·ter \ˈprez-bə-tər, ˈpres-\

Definition of PRESBYTER

: a member of the governing body of an early Christian church

: a member of the order of priests in churches having episcopal hierarchies that include bishops, priests, and deacons

: elder 4b

— pres·byt·er·ate \prez-ˈbi-tə-rət, pres-, -ˌrāt\ noun

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Origin of PRESBYTER

Late Latin, elder, priest, from Greek presbyteros, comparative of presbys old man, elder; akin to Greek pro before and Greek bainein to go — more at for, come

First Known Use: 1597

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