Presbyterianism UK /ˌpɹɛz.bɪˈtɪə.ɹɪə.nɪ.zəm/US /ˌpɹɛz.bɪˈtɪɹ.iə.nɪ.zəm/ noun2 •A form of Protestant Christianity based on Calvinism. •A form of Christian church government characterized by rule by bodies of presbyters or elders.