presbyterian
UK /ˌpɹɛz.bɪˈtɪəɹ.ɪ.ən/ · US /ˌpɹɛz.bəˈteɹ.i.ən/ adjective, noun
Forms Presbyterians
- adjective Of or pertaining to a presbyter, or to ecclesiastical government by presbyters; relating to those who uphold church government by presbyters; also, to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of a communion so governed.
- adjective Relating to Presbyterianism.
- noun A person belonging to a church in the tradition of Presbyterianism.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Late Latin presbyterium + -an. By surface analysis, presbyter + -ian or presbytery + -an.
See presbyterian § Etymology.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Of or pertaining to a presbyter, or to ecclesiastical government by presbyters; relating to those who uphold church government by presbyters; also, to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of a communion so governed.
- noun One who maintains the validity of ordination and government by presbyters; a member of the Presbyterian church. Reformed Presbyterians. See Cameronian.
Etymology [Cf. F. presbytérien.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “presbyterian”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details