A ruler of a church; one of the persons having authority in a church.
a. 1600. Hooker, Eccl. Pol., VIII. i. § 2. Their only right which are by proper spiritual function termed Church-governors.
a. 1640. Jackson, Wks., II. 380. Their [Jews’] church-governors did allow and appoint daily sacrifices to be offered for the peace and tranquillity of the Roman empire.
1875. E. White, Life in Christ, IV. xxv. (1878), 398. Wicked world-rulers and church-governors.
