presbyterian

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

adjective

1. pertaining to or based on the principle of ecclesiastical government by presbyters or presbyteries.

2. (initial capital letter),  designating or pertaining to various churches having this form of government and professing more or less modified forms of Calvinism.

noun

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

Presbyterian

¹

/ ˌprɛzbɪˈtɪərɪən /

adjective

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

noun

1. a member of a Presbyterian Church

presbyterian

²

/ ˌprɛzbɪˈtɪərɪən /

adjective

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

noun

1. an upholder of this type of Church government

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of presbyterian¹

First recorded in 1635–45; presbytery + -an

Example Sentences

If anyone has a hard time understanding that, they could take a look at the Presbyterian minister shot in the head with “non-lethal” ammunition while protesting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility near Chicago.

Read more on Salon

They’re firing pepper balls at the heads of Presbyterian priests outside detention facilities and tackling middle-aged reporters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Border Patrol sector chief Gregory Bovino accused a protester of causing an unspecified groin injury without video evidence, while agents have fired pepper balls at Presbyterian priests, tackled reporters, and requested National Guard backup despite being heavily armed and well-funded.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The other is a Presbyterian minister and former vice chair of the U.S.

Read more on Salon

The trial took place at Carrickfergus courthouse in 1711 when eight Presbyterian women and a man were found guilty of performing witchcraft against a young woman.

Read more on BBC