presbytery.

1. The area of a church reserved for clergy, particularly the sanctuary around the high altar.

2. A residence for a Roman Catholic parish priest.

3. A governing assembly of ministers and elders in Presbyterian churches.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• cathedral presbytery
• high altar in the presbytery
• parish presbytery

On the page

The high altar stood in a raised presbytery.

Only clergy entered the presbytery during the ceremony.

In the parish presbytery, the priest kept letters from the former owner.

Usage notes

Primary category: gothic. Also a Roman Catholic priest's residence or a Presbyterian governing body; indicate context to prevent confusion. Plural presbyteries.