presbyter
|prez-bi-ter|
🇺🇸
/ˈprɛzbɪtər/
🇬🇧
/ˈprɛzbɪtə/
elder (church leader)
Etymology
'presbyter' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'presbyteros', where 'presby-' meant 'elder'. It entered English via Latin 'presbyter' (Church Latin).
'presbyter' passed from Greek 'presbyteros' into Latin as 'presbyter' and through Church Latin and Middle English usage eventually became the modern English word 'presbyter'.
Initially it meant 'elder' (a senior member of a community), but over time it came to be used specifically for 'a member of the Christian clergy' — a priest or church elder.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an elder in the early Christian church or in some Christian denominations; a member of a council of elders.
The ancient council was convened by a respected presbyter.
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Noun 2
a priest or minister (especially in historical or some denominational usage where 'presbyter' is equivalent to 'priest').
In some early texts, the term presbyter is used to refer to a priest serving the congregation.
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Last updated: 2026/01/13 17:08