\Pres"by*ter*y\, n.; pl. {Presbyteries}. [L.
presbyterium, Gr. ?. See {Presbyter}, and cf.
{Presbyterium}.]
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.] --Tatler.
4.
   (a) (Arch.) That part of the church reserved for the
       officiating priest.
   (b) The residence of a priest or clergyman. --Gwilt.