1. Plural of presbyterate; the office, rank, or period of service of a presbyter (priest) in Christian churches.
Usage: Primarily used in Christian ecclesiastical contexts; More common in formal or academic religious discourse

Examples

• The bishop ordained several candidates to presbyterates within the diocese.
• During their presbyterates, the priests served multiple parishes.
• The church recognized the presbyterates of both male and female clergy members.
• His long presbyterate was marked by devoted pastoral care.
• The presbyterates in that region were established in the early 20th century.