Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRES'BY-TER, n. [Gr. πρεσβυτερος, from πρεσβυς, old, elder.]

1. In the primitive Christian church, an elder; a person somewhat advanced in age, who had authority in the church, and whose duty was to feed the flock over which the Holy Spirit had made him overseer.
2. A priest; a person who has the pastoral charge of a particular church and congregation; called in the Saxon laws, mass-priest. – Hooker.
3. A presbyterian. – Butler.