Presbyterian
/ˌprɛz.bɪˈtɪə.ri.ən/noun
Relating to a Protestant church governed by presbyters, or elders.
Did you know?Presbyterian comes from Greek presbyteros, “older,” the same ancient root that also gave English words like priest and elder through different historical paths.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*per-
“To forward, first, or before; the source of comparative forms meaning “older” or “first.””
Ancient Greek
Greek
presbyteros
“Older, elder; especially a senior man or church elder.”
Late Latin
Latin
presbyter
“An elder, especially a church elder or presbyter.”
Old French
Old French
prestre
“Priest; a cleric, influenced by the church term for elder.”
Middle English
English
prester / prest
“Priest; the common English form developed through French and church usage.”
16th Century
English
Presbyterian
“Relating to church government by presbyters, or elders.”