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a presbyter, or to ecclesiastical government by presbyters; relating to those who uphold church government by presbyters; also, to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of a communion so governed.

That form of church government which invests presbyters with all spiritual power, and admits no prelates over them; also, the faith and polity of the Presbyterian churches, taken collectively.

A body of elders in the early Christian church.

efice; to offer to the bishop or ordinary as a candidate for institution. The patron of a church may present his clerk to a parsonage or vicarage; that is, may offer him to the bishop of the diocese to be instituted. Blackstone.

Admitting of the presentation of a clergiman; as, a church presentable. [R.] Ayliffe.

ank, or character of a primate; the chief ecclesiastical station or dignity in a national church; the office or dignity of an archbishop; as, the primacy of England.

st in order of time or development or in intention; primitive; fundamental; original. The church of Christ, in its primary institution. Bp. Pearson. These I call original, or primary, qualities of body. Locke.

The chief ecclesiastic in a national church; one who presides over other bishops in a province; an archbishop.

Originally, a small prayer book for church service, containing the little office of the Virgin Mary; also, a work of elementary religious instruction. The primer, or office of the Blessed Virgin. Bp. Stillingfleet.

arly times; original; primordial; primeval; first; as, primitive innocence; the primitive church. "Our primitive great sire." Milton.

One of the bishops of the Episcopal Church of Scotland, who presides at the meetings of the bishops, and has certain privileges but no metropolitan authority. Internat. Cyc.

progress of persons, either from the sacristy to the choir, or from the choir around the church, within or without. Shipley.

A hymn, or other selection, sung during a church procession; as, the processional was the 202d hymn.

belief in the Scriptures and his faith in Christ, and thus unites himself to the visible church. "Professors of religion." Bacon.

To propose or name as a candidate for admission to communion with a church.

r sense to designate any Christian who does not belong to the Roman Catholic or the Greek Church.

The quality or state of being protestant, especially against the Roman Catholic Church; the principles or religion of the Protestants.

A credence table; -- so called by the Eastern or Greek Church.

e provost of a college, answering to president; the provost or head of certain collegiate churches.

A clerk, precentor, singer, or leader of music, in the church.