ENGLISH
REFERENCE

presbyterian

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˌpɹɛsbɪˈtɪɹiən// UK //pɹɪsbaɪtˈiəɹɪən// pres·by·te·ri·an

n. a member of a specific Christian church that is led by a group of elders rather than a single leader like a bishop. These churches are part of the Protestant tradition and follow certain historical teachings.

n. a member of a Protestant denomination governed by a hierarchy of courts composed of elders. The system emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the authority of the Scriptures, typically following Reformed theology.


SIMPLE

My neighbor is a Presbyterian and attends the local church.

CONTEXTUAL

The local Presbyterian invited the community to a charity dinner to support the new youth center.

COMPLEX

As a lifelong Presbyterian, she was deeply committed to the democratic governance of her congregation and the theological traditions of the Scottish Reformation.

Origin

See presbyterian § Etymology.

Usage

When referring to a member of the church or the specific denomination, the word is always capitalized.

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