Pres·by·ter·y n.; pl. Presbyteries
 1. A body of elders in the early Christian church.
 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.
 3. The Presbyterian religion of polity. [R.]
 4. (a) Arch. That part of the church reserved for the officiating priest. (b) The residence of a priest or clergyman.
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