Moderator
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(1): ( n.) In the University of Oxford, an examiner for moderations; at Cambridge, the superintendant of examinations for degrees; at Dublin, either the first (senior) or second (junior) in rank in an examination for the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
(2): ( n.) A mechamical arrangement for regulating motion in a machine, or producing equality of effect.
(3): ( n.) One who, or that which, moderates, restrains, or pacifies.
(4): ( n.) The officer who presides over an assembly to preserve order, propose questions, regulate the proceedings, and declare the votes.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [2]
is the name of an ecclesiastical officer in the Presbyterian churches. His duty is to preside over a meeting or an assembly of ministers, to regulate their proceedings in session, and to declare the vote (see Presbyt. Confession, page 366 sq.). To moderate in a call is to preside over the election of a minister. When the attempt was made to introduce episcopacy into Scotland, one plan was to have perpetual moderators for presbyteries- a bishop or his vicar to be chosen to the office.
