ruling elder

American  

noun

1. an elder in a Presbyterian church.

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Etymology

Origin of ruling elder

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ruling elder

Claire Louise Schoppe, a ruling elder commissioner, was one of the few delegates to speak against the measure.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 8, 2022

The ruling elder seemed in a rather mild frame of mind in spite of the fact that the reins of government had been taken out of his hands.

From Duncan Polite The Watchman of Glenoro by MacGregor, Mary Esther Miller

One of the two offending brethren, who had been charged with “scandalous sins,” was elected a ruling elder of the church less than two years afterwards.

From Glimpses of the Past History of the River St. John, A.D. 1604-1784 by Raymond, W. O. (William Odber)

Where is auld Robert Maxwell the ruling elder?

From Recreations of Christopher North, Volume I (of 2) by Wilson, John Lyde

In a conspicuous position is the monument raised, in 1858, by the descendants of Robert Cushman, and of Thomas Cushman, his son, for forty-three years ruling elder of the church of the Pilgrims.

From Nooks and Corners of the New England Coast by Drake, Samuel Adams