presbyterian

[prez-bi-teer-ee-uhn, pres-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

pertaining to or based on the principle of ecclesiastical government by presbyters or presbyteries.
(initial capital letter), designating or pertaining to various churches having this form of government and professing more or less modified forms of Calvinism.

noun

(initial capital letter), a member of a Presbyterian church; a person who supports Presbyterianism.

Presbyterian

/ ˌprɛzbɪˈtɪərɪən /

adjective

of or relating to any of various Protestant Churches governed by presbyters or lay elders and adhering to various modified forms of Calvinism

noun

a member of a Presbyterian Church

presbyterian

/ ˌprɛzbɪˈtɪərɪən /

adjective

of, relating to, or designating Church government by presbyters or lay elders

noun

an upholder of this type of Church government

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Other Word Forms

non-Presbyterian adjective
pro-Presbyterian adjective
pseudo-Presbyterian adjective
Presbyterianism noun
presbyterianistic adjective
presbyterianism noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of presbyterian¹

First recorded in 1635–45; presbytery + -an

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bringing the intensity and building a massive early cushion thanks to strong offense and rebounding, the No. 19 Bruins unloaded any lingering frustrations during an 86-46 victory over Presbyterian on Friday night at Pauley Pavilion.

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Presbyterian didn’t come nearly as close against the Bruins while appearing completely outmanned.

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It was a strong effort across the board for the Bruins, who shot 62.7% while holding Presbyterian to 33.3% and also outrebounded the Blue Hose, 33-25.

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Point guard Donovan Dent, the last of UCLA’s regular starters to enter the game against Sacramento State on Tuesday, redeemed himself with some offensive sorcery against Presbyterian.