presbyterate

American  

[prez-bit-er-it, -uh-reyt, pres-] / prɛzˈbɪt ər ɪt, -əˌreɪt, prɛs- /

noun

1. the office of a presbyter or elder.

2. a body of presbyters or elders.

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presbyterate British  

/ prɛzˈbɪtərɪt, -ˌreɪt /

noun

1. the status or office of a presbyter

2. a group of presbyters

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Etymology

Origin of presbyterate

From the Medieval Latin word presbyterātus, dating back to 1635–45. See presbyter, -ate ³

Example Sentences

Here it seems to be an official title, designating a member of the order of the presbyterate.

From Essays on the work entitled "Supernatural Religion" by Lightfoot, Joseph Barber

This enlargement of the bishop’s parish and multiplication of the churches under his care led to a change in the functions of the presbyterate.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 3 "Chitral" to "Cincinnati" by Various

The bishops' deprivation of an authority they had too often disgraced and misused, vested the government of the Church in the presbyterate; and the national sentiment approved of the change.

From Scottish Cathedrals and Abbeys by Butler, Dugald

To the years of his presbyterate and episcopate belong the great mass of homilies and commentaries, among which those On the Statues, and on Matthew, Romans and Corinthians, stand out pre-eminently.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 3 "Chitral" to "Cincinnati" by Various

Either Egypt or Syria would satisfy this condition, and in favour of Syria is the fact that the presbyterate there was to a late date regarded as a rank rather than an office.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 4 "Diameter" to "Dinarchus" by Various