presbytery

/ˈprɛzbəˌtɛri/
noun
  1. A local church council made up of ministers and elders that governs a group of Presbyterian churches.
    • Our congregation is part of the Northern Presbytery.
    • The presbytery meets quarterly to discuss church policies and budgets.
    • The presbytery voted to support the new community outreach program.
  2. The part of a church reserved for the clergy, often near the altar.
    • The presbytery was beautifully decorated with stained glass windows.
    • The choir sat in the presbytery during the service.
    • Only the priest and deacons entered the presbytery.
  3. The house or residence of a Roman Catholic parish priest.
    • The old presbytery was converted into a community center.
    • The priest lives in the presbytery next to the church.
    • They visited the presbytery for a meeting with the pastor.
What does "presbytery" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean