Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - kirk

n. Sc. & N.Engl. 1 a church. 2 (the Kirk or the Kirk of Scotland) the Church of Scotland as distinct from the Church of England or from the Episcopal Church in Scotland. Phrases and idioms Kirk-session 1 the lowest court in the Church of Scotland. 2 hist. the lowest court in other Presbyterian Churches, composed of ministers and elders. Etymology: ME f. ON kirkja f. OE cir(i)ce CHURCH