<!-- Generated by iC(tm) - CompSci Interactive Converter - http://www.compsciresources.com -->
<!-- Created: Fri May 10 13:30:05 UTC 2013 -->
<linkbase xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConsolidatedBalanceSheet" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheet"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConsolidatedBalanceSheet_Parentheticals" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheet_Parentheticals"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConsolidatedIncomeStatement" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsolidatedIncomeStatement"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConsolidatedComprehensiveIncome" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsolidatedComprehensiveIncome"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ShareholdersEquityType2or3" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ShareholdersEquityType2or3"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConsolidatedCashFlow" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsolidatedCashFlow"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note0" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note0"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note00" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note00"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note0000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note0000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note00000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note00000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note0000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note0000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note00000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note00000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note000000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note000000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note0000000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note0000000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note00000000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note00000000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note000000000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note000000000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Note0000000000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note0000000000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteTables" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteTables0" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables0"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteTables00" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables00"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteTables000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteTables0000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables0000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteTables00000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables00000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteTables000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteTables0000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables0000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteTables00000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables00000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConsiderationPaidbytheCompanyintheMergerTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsiderationPaidbytheCompanyintheMergerTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConsiderationPaidbytheCompanyintheMergerTable_Parentheticals" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsiderationPaidbytheCompanyintheMergerTable_Parentheticals"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AmortizedCostandFairValueofInvestmentPortfolioTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/AmortizedCostandFairValueofInvestmentPortfolioTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_MaturitiesofInvestmentPortfolioTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/MaturitiesofInvestmentPortfolioTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_InvestmentPortfolioGrossUnrealizedLossesandFairValueTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/InvestmentPortfolioGrossUnrealizedLossesandFairValueTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_LoanPortfolioTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/LoanPortfolioTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ActivityintheAllowanceforLoanLossesTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ActivityintheAllowanceforLoanLossesTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ActivityintheAllowanceforLoanLossesContinuedTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ActivityintheAllowanceforLoanLossesContinuedTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialLoansbyCreditQualityIndicatorsTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/CommercialLoansbyCreditQualityIndicatorsTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConsumerLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorsTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsumerLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorsTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AgingAnalysisofAccruingandNonAccruingLoansTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/AgingAnalysisofAccruingandNonAccruingLoansTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ImpairedLoansTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ImpairedLoansTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NonaccrualandPastDueLoansTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NonaccrualandPastDueLoansTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FairValueofPCILoanPortfolioAcquiredfromCitizensSouthTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/FairValueofPCILoanPortfolioAcquiredfromCitizensSouthTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ChangesintheAccretableYieldforPCILoansTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ChangesintheAccretableYieldforPCILoansTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AdditionalInformationRegardingTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/AdditionalInformationRegardingTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TroubledDebtRestructuringsOutcomesTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/TroubledDebtRestructuringsOutcomesTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RelatedPartyLoansTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/RelatedPartyLoansTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ReceivablefromtheFDICTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ReceivablefromtheFDICTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/OtherRealEstateOwnedTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedbyPortfolioSegmentTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/OtherRealEstateOwnedbyPortfolioSegmentTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SharesUsedinComputationofEarningsperCommonShareTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/SharesUsedinComputationofEarningsperCommonShareTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_IndividualLoanSwapInformationTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/IndividualLoanSwapInformationTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FinancialInstrumentsCarryingAmountsandEstimatedFairValuesTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsCarryingAmountsandEstimatedFairValuesTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FairValueonaRecurringBasisTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/FairValueonaRecurringBasisTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_Level3AssetsReconciliationTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Level3AssetsReconciliationTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FairValueonaNonrecurringBasisTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/FairValueonaNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ValuationMethodologyandUnobservableInputsforLevel3AssetsTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ValuationMethodologyandUnobservableInputsforLevel3AssetsTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ActivityintheCompanysShareBasedPlansTable" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ActivityintheCompanysShareBasedPlansTable"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail0" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail0"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail00" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail00"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail0000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail0000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail00000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail00000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail0000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail0000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail00000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail00000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail000000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail000000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail0000000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail0000000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoteDetail00000000000" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail00000000000"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all"/>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheet">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndDueFromBanks" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositsInBanks" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositsInBanks"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositsInBanks" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FederalFundsSold" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFundsSold"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FederalFundsSold" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_NonmarketableEquitySecurities" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NonmarketableEquitySecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_NonmarketableEquitySecurities" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNet" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_LoansAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_LoansAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_LoansAbstract" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LoansAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LoansAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LoansAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountCoveredAndNotCovered" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountCoveredAndNotCovered"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LoansAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountCoveredAndNotCovered" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsurance" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsurance"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsurance" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset" order="12" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsNet" order="13" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestReceivable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestReceivable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestReceivable" order="14" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssets" order="15" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepositsAbstract" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepositsAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepositsAbstract" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestBearingDepositLiabilities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestBearingDepositLiabilities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DepositsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestBearingDepositLiabilities" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositLiabilities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositLiabilities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DepositsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositLiabilities" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Deposits" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Deposits"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestBearingDepositLiabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_Deposits" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesLongTerm" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesLongTerm"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankAdvancesLongTerm" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubordinatedDebt" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AccruedExpensesAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AccruedExpensesAndOtherLiabilities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_AccruedExpensesAndOtherLiabilities" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AccruedExpensesAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ShareholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_ShareholdersEquityAbstract" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ReclassifiedCommonStockValue" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ReclassifiedCommonStockValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_ReclassifiedCommonStockValue" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ReclassifiedCommonStockValue" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ReclassifiedCommonStockValue" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ReclassifiedCommonStockValue" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ReclassifiedCommonStockValue" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LiabilitiesAndShareholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheet_Parentheticals">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateNonCovered" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateNonCovered"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateNonCovered" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsolidatedIncomeStatement">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_InterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_InterestIncomeAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_InterestIncomeAbstract" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_InterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestAndFeeIncomeLoansAndLeases" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeFederalFundsSold" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeFederalFundsSold"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_InterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeFederalFundsSold" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_InterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxable" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxExempt" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxExempt"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_InterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeSecuritiesTaxExempt" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesOther" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesOther"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_InterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesOther" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_InterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestIncomeDepositsWithFinancialInstitutions" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseNOWAccountsMoneyMarketAccountsAndSavingsDeposits" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseNOWAccountsMoneyMarketAccountsAndSavingsDeposits"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseNOWAccountsMoneyMarketAccountsAndSavingsDeposits" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseTimeDeposits" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseTimeDeposits"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseTimeDeposits" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseShortTermBorrowings" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseShortTermBorrowings"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseShortTermBorrowings" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseFederalHomeLoanBankAndFederalReserveBankAdvancesLongTerm" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseFederalHomeLoanBankAndFederalReserveBankAdvancesLongTerm"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseFederalHomeLoanBankAndFederalReserveBankAdvancesLongTerm" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseSubordinatedNotesAndDebentures" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseSubordinatedNotesAndDebentures"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseSubordinatedNotesAndDebentures" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestExpenseSubordinatedNotesAndDebentures" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestExpenseSubordinatedNotesAndDebentures" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsDepositorAccounts" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsDepositorAccounts"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsDepositorAccounts" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsFiduciaryAndTrustActivities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsFiduciaryAndTrustActivities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsFiduciaryAndTrustActivities" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentBankingAdvisoryBrokerageAndUnderwritingFeesAndCommissions" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentBankingAdvisoryBrokerageAndUnderwritingFeesAndCommissions"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentBankingAdvisoryBrokerageAndUnderwritingFeesAndCommissions" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsOther" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsOther"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsOther" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsMortgageBanking" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsMortgageBanking"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FeesAndCommissionsMortgageBanking" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncome" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncome"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncome" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeOtherOperatingIncome" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeOtherOperatingIncome"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeOtherOperatingIncome" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestIncome" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncome"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeOtherOperatingIncome" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestIncome" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OccupancyNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OccupancyNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OccupancyNet" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpense" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpense"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpense" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_LegalAndProfessionalFees" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_LegalAndProfessionalFees"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_LegalAndProfessionalFees" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_DepositChargesAndFDICInsurance" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_DepositChargesAndFDICInsurance"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_DepositChargesAndFDICInsurance" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InformationTechnologyAndDataProcessing" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InformationTechnologyAndDataProcessing"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InformationTechnologyAndDataProcessing" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Communication" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Communication"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Communication" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_NetCostOfOperationOfOtherRealEstate" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NetCostOfOperationOfOtherRealEstate"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_NetCostOfOperationOfOtherRealEstate" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_LoanAndCollectionExpense" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_LoanAndCollectionExpense"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_LoanAndCollectionExpense" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SuppliesAndPostageExpense" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuppliesAndPostageExpense"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SuppliesAndPostageExpense" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpense" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpense"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpense" order="12" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestExpense" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpense"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpense" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestExpense" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherNoninterestExpense" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="13" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoninterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments" order="14" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_WeightedAverageCommonSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_WeightedAverageCommonSharesOutstandingAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_WeightedAverageCommonSharesOutstandingAbstract" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_WeightedAverageCommonSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_WeightedAverageCommonSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsolidatedComprehensiveIncome">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodTax" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodTax"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodTax" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ShareholdersEquityType2or3">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssued" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssued"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesIssued" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_ComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsolidatedCashFlow">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_CashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesAbstract" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsHeldToMaturityDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAccretion" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsHeldToMaturityDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAccretion"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccountedForAsHeldToMaturityDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldAccretion" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetAccretionOfDiscount" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetAccretionOfDiscount"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetAccretionOfDiscount" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfLoansAndLeases" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfLoansAndLeases"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfLoansAndLeases" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfOtherRealEstate" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfRealEstate" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfRealEstate"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfRealEstate" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncome" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncome"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BankOwnedLifeInsuranceIncome" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForSale" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForSale"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfLoansHeldForSale" order="12" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToPurchaseLoansHeldForSale" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToPurchaseLoansHeldForSale"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToPurchaseLoansHeldForSale" order="13" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ChangeInAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ChangeInAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeToNetCashProvidedByOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_ChangeInAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" order="14" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ChangeInAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedInterestReceivableNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedInterestReceivableNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ChangeInAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedInterestReceivableNet" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ChangeInAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ChangeInAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedExpensesAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedExpensesAndOtherLiabilities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ChangeInAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedExpensesAndOtherLiabilities" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ChangeInAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CashFlowsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CashFlowsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_CashFlowsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromLoansAndLeases" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromLoansAndLeases"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromLoansAndLeases" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetCashPaymentsReceived" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetCashPaymentsReceived"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetCashPaymentsReceived" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfForeclosedAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfForeclosedAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfForeclosedAssets" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromInvestments" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesAbstract" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeposits" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeposits"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeposits" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_SupplementalDisclosuresOfCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SupplementalDisclosuresOfCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_SupplementalDisclosuresOfCashFlowInformationAbstract" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaid" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaid"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SupplementalDisclosuresOfCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaid" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SupplementalDisclosuresOfCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_SupplementalDisclosureOfNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SupplementalDisclosureOfNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_SupplementalDisclosureOfNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesAbstract" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnCashFlowHedgingInstruments" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnCashFlowHedgingInstruments"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SupplementalDisclosureOfNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnCashFlowHedgingInstruments" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_LoansTransferredToOtherRealEstateOwned" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_LoansTransferredToOtherRealEstateOwned"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SupplementalDisclosureOfNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_LoansTransferredToOtherRealEstateOwned" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note0">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note00">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsInDebtAndMarketableEquitySecuritiesAndCertainTradingAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note0000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PolicyLoansReceivablePolicy" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PolicyLoansReceivablePolicy"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PolicyLoansReceivablePolicy" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note00000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealEstateOwnedTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note0000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note00000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note000000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note0000000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note00000000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note000000000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Note0000000000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPurchasePriceAllocationTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPurchasePriceAllocationTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPurchasePriceAllocationTableTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables0">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2012/invest-2012-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentTableTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsClassifiedByContractualMaturityDateTableTextBlock" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfUnrealizedLossOnInvestmentsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfUnrealizedLossOnInvestmentsTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfUnrealizedLossOnInvestmentsTableTextBlock" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables00">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreationDateAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CreationDateDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CreationDateDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:to="pstb_CreationDateDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CreationDateDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CreationDateDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:to="pstb_CreationDateDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_DisaggregatedByImpairmentMethodMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_DisaggregatedByImpairmentMethodMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CreationDateDomain" xlink:to="pstb_DisaggregatedByImpairmentMethodMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditLossesRelatedToFinancingReceivablesCurrentAndNoncurrentTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditLossesRelatedToFinancingReceivablesCurrentAndNoncurrentTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCreditLossesRelatedToFinancingReceivablesCurrentAndNoncurrentTableTextBlock" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityIndicatorsTableTextBlock" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PastDueFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PastDueFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PastDueFinancingReceivablesTableTextBlock" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ImpairedFinancingReceivablesContinuedTableTextBlock" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ImpairedFinancingReceivablesContinuedTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_ImpairedFinancingReceivablesContinuedTableTextBlock" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesNonAccrualStatusTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesNonAccrualStatusTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesNonAccrualStatusTableTextBlock" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansTableTextBlock" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansTableTextBlock" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_SummaryOfChangesInAccretableYieldForPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansTableTextBlock" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SummaryOfChangesInAccretableYieldForPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_SummaryOfChangesInAccretableYieldForPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansTableTextBlock" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AdditionalInformationRegardingTroubledDebtRestructuringsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AdditionalInformationRegardingTroubledDebtRestructuringsTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_AdditionalInformationRegardingTroubledDebtRestructuringsTableTextBlock" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TroubledDebtRestructuringOutcomesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TroubledDebtRestructuringOutcomesTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_TroubledDebtRestructuringOutcomesTableTextBlock" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsTableTextBlock" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetRollForwardTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetRollForwardTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetRollForwardTableTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables0000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRealEstatePropertiesTableTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedByPortfolioSegmentTableTextBlock" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedByPortfolioSegmentTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedByPortfolioSegmentTableTextBlock" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables00000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesTableTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables0000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTableTextBlock" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnNonrecurringBasisTextBlock" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTableTextBlock" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteTables00000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsiderationPaidbytheCompanyintheMergerTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AsRecordedByAcquireeMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AsRecordedByAcquireeMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AsRecordedByAcquireeMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FairValueAndOtherMergerRelatedAdjustmentsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FairValueAndOtherMergerRelatedAdjustmentsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="pstb_FairValueAndOtherMergerRelatedAdjustmentsMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AsRecordedByTheCompanyMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AsRecordedByTheCompanyMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AsRecordedByTheCompanyMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableValueAssigned" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableValueAssigned"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableValueAssigned" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsCashAndCashEquivalents" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsMarketableSecurities" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationUnmarketableSecurities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationUnmarketableSecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationUnmarketableSecurities" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAssetHeldForSale" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAssetHeldForSale"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsAssetHeldForSale" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsReceivables"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsReceivables" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" order="12" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherNoncurrentAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherNoncurrentAssets" order="13" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationDeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrent" order="14" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationFDICIndemnificationAsset" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationFDICIndemnificationAsset"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationFDICIndemnificationAsset" order="15" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherAssets" order="16" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquired" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquired"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherAssets" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquired" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilitiesOtherLiabilities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilitiesOtherLiabilities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationCurrentLiabilitiesOtherLiabilities" order="17" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" order="18" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNotesPayableAndLongTermDebt" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNotesPayableAndLongTermDebt"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationNotesPayableAndLongTermDebt" order="19" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherLiabilities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherLiabilities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherLiabilities" order="20" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumed" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumed"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationOtherLiabilities" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationLiabilitiesAssumed" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedNet" order="21" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount" order="22" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsiderationPaidbytheCompanyintheMergerTable_Parentheticals">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AsRecordedByAcquireeMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AsRecordedByAcquireeMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AsRecordedByAcquireeMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FairValueAndOtherMergerRelatedAdjustmentsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FairValueAndOtherMergerRelatedAdjustmentsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="pstb_FairValueAndOtherMergerRelatedAdjustmentsMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AsRecordedByTheCompanyMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AsRecordedByTheCompanyMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AsRecordedByTheCompanyMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/AmortizedCostandFairValueofInvestmentPortfolioTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalMember" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_December312012Abstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_December312012Abstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_December312012Abstract" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract0"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_December312012Abstract" xlink:to="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract0" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/MaturitiesofInvestmentPortfolioTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/InvestmentPortfolioGrossUnrealizedLossesandFairValueTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract00" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract00"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract00" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract00" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract00" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAggregateLosses2" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract00" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract00" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAggregateLosses2" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract00" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_SecuritiesAvailableForSaleAbstract00" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses2" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_December312012Abstract0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_December312012Abstract0"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_December312012Abstract0" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/LoanPortfolioTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_LoansReceivableAxis" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_LoansReceivableAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="pstb_LoansReceivableAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_LoansReceivableDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_LoansReceivableDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="pstb_LoansReceivableAxis" xlink:to="pstb_LoansReceivableDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_LoansReceivableDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_LoansReceivableDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="pstb_LoansReceivableAxis" xlink:to="pstb_LoansReceivableDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LoansReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AllOtherLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AllOtherLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LoansReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AllOtherLoansMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_LoansReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAbstract" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialAndIndustrial" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialAndIndustrial"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialAndIndustrial" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialMortgage" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommercial" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommercial"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommercial" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialConstruction" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialConstruction"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansReceivableCommercialConstruction" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ConsumerAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConsumerAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_ConsumerAbstract" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgage" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgage"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ConsumerAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgage" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerHomeEquity" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerHomeEquity"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ConsumerAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerHomeEquity" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerConstruction" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerConstruction"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ConsumerAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerConstruction" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerOther" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerOther"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ConsumerAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerOther" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumer" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumer"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ConsumerAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumer" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ConsumerAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDeferredIncome" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDeferredIncome"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableDeferredIncome" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ActivityintheAllowanceforLoanLossesTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ExcludingPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ExcludingPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ExcludingPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PCILoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PCILoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_PCILoansMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_IncludingPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_IncludingPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_IncludingPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_UnallocatedMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_UnallocatedMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_UnallocatedMember" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ForTheThreeMonthsEndedMarch312012Abstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ForTheThreeMonthsEndedMarch312012Abstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_ForTheThreeMonthsEndedMarch312012Abstract" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract0"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ForTheThreeMonthsEndedMarch312012Abstract" xlink:to="pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract0" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRecovery" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesPeriodIncreaseDecrease" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PciImpairmentAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PciImpairmentAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_PciImpairmentAllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ActivityintheAllowanceforLoanLossesContinuedTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_IncludingPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_IncludingPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_IncludingPurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract00" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract00"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract00" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment1" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesPurchasedCreditImpaired" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesPurchasedCreditImpaired"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesPurchasedCreditImpaired" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RecordedInvestmentInLoansAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RecordedInvestmentInLoansAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_RecordedInvestmentInLoansAbstract" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableIndividuallyEvaluatedForImpairment" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairment" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PurchasedCreditimpairedLoans" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PurchasedCreditimpairedLoans"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_PurchasedCreditimpairedLoans" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AtDecember312012Abstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AtDecember312012Abstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_AtDecember312012Abstract" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract000" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract000"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AtDecember312012Abstract" xlink:to="pstb_AllowanceForLoanLossesAbstract000" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RecordedInvestmentInLoansAbstract0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RecordedInvestmentInLoansAbstract0"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_AtDecember312012Abstract" xlink:to="pstb_RecordedInvestmentInLoansAbstract0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/CommercialLoansbyCreditQualityIndicatorsTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByCreditQualityIndicatorAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByCreditQualityIndicatorAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByCreditQualityIndicatorAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByCreditQualityIndicatorAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByCreditQualityIndicatorAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PassMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PassMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PassMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ClassifiedMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ClassifiedMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ClassifiedMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumer" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumer"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumer" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ConsumerLoansByCreditQualityIndicatorsTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByCreditQualityIndicatorAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByCreditQualityIndicatorAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByCreditQualityIndicatorAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByCreditQualityIndicatorAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByCreditQualityIndicatorAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PassMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PassMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PassMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ClassifiedMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ClassifiedMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ClassifiedMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
<!-- [WMV4][XcpuxYn59dz7vgYynUDuwG7r97K2jUTysl7vcz0lJt8UCLPdYZl35nXbOCDIyGTq1gO37UPGXKkmRQbfZlWcFhng5GfIIeUKQdBwUVLn/rtI+nhhinbxOtsm8uKHCP8ixtszUuibLMlCw3UhzW5Liz/aZI6nRm37yO4kvyZJFeNt/DWzNlUuvz1dhGM+ofVTWxyYX+RyvLX07IEMD9SmCRSOckjKBiSiSn5MedwuAIjwPmuiNh7gSg==] CSR-->
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableByCreditQualityIndicatorDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommercial" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommercial"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableCommercial" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/AgingAnalysisofAccruingandNonAccruingLoansTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableInformationByPortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalMember" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAbstract0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAbstract0"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAbstract0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAbstract00" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAbstract00"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAbstract00" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment30To59DaysPastDue" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment60To89DaysPastDue" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmount" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ConsumerAbstract00" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConsumerAbstract00"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0" xlink:to="pstb_ConsumerAbstract00" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ConsumerAbstract0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConsumerAbstract0"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0" xlink:to="pstb_ConsumerAbstract0" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ImpairedLoansTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ImpairedLoansWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ImpairedLoansWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_ImpairedLoansWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedAbstract" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAbstract000" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAbstract000"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ImpairedLoansWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAbstract000" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceAverageRecordedInvestment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceAverageRecordedInvestment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceAverageRecordedInvestment" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceInterestIncomeAccrualMethod" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceInterestIncomeAccrualMethod"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithNoRelatedAllowanceInterestIncomeAccrualMethod" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ImpairedLoansWithAnAllowanceRecordedAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ImpairedLoansWithAnAllowanceRecordedAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_ImpairedLoansWithAnAllowanceRecordedAbstract" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAbstract0000" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAbstract0000"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ImpairedLoansWithAnAllowanceRecordedAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAbstract0000" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceRecordedInvestment" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceUnpaidPrincipalBalance" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceAverageRecordedInvestment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceAverageRecordedInvestment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceAverageRecordedInvestment" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceInterestIncomeAccrualMethod" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceInterestIncomeAccrualMethod"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract0000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableWithRelatedAllowanceInterestIncomeAccrualMethod" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalImpairedLoansAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalImpairedLoansAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_TotalImpairedLoansAbstract" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAbstract00000" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAbstract00000"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_TotalImpairedLoansAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAbstract00000" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract00000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract00000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAverageRecordedInvestment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAverageRecordedInvestment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract00000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableAverageRecordedInvestment" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeAccrualMethod" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeAccrualMethod"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract00000" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeAccrualMethod" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NonaccrualandPastDueLoansTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalCommercialMember" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherLoansToIndividualsMember" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalConsumerLoansMember" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAbstract000000" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAbstract000000"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAbstract000000" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommercialAbstract000000" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/FairValueofPCILoanPortfolioAcquiredfromCitizensSouthTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommunityCapitalMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommunityCapitalMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommunityCapitalMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisition" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisition"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodContractuallyRequiredPaymentsReceivableAtAcquisition" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNonaccretableDifference" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNonaccretableDifference"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNonaccretableDifference" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodCashFlowsExpectedToBeCollectedAtAcquisition" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodCashFlowsExpectedToBeCollectedAtAcquisition"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodCashFlowsExpectedToBeCollectedAtAcquisition" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccretableYield" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccretableYield"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferAccretableYield" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAcquiredDuringPeriodAtAcquisitionAtFairValue" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ChangesintheAccretableYieldforPCILoansTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYield" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYield"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYield" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferInterestIncome" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferInterestIncome"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferInterestIncome" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldReclassificationsFromNonaccretableDifference" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldReclassificationsFromNonaccretableDifference"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldReclassificationsFromNonaccretableDifference" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertainLoansAcquiredInTransferNotAccountedForAsDebtSecuritiesAccretableYieldPeriodIncreaseDecrease" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/AdditionalInformationRegardingTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreationDateAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CreationDateDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CreationDateDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:to="pstb_CreationDateDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CreationDateDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CreationDateDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:to="pstb_CreationDateDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ModifiedInCurrentYearMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ModifiedInCurrentYearMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CreationDateDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ModifiedInCurrentYearMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts1" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPreModificationRecordedInvestment1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPreModificationRecordedInvestment1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPreModificationRecordedInvestment1" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment1" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/TroubledDebtRestructuringsOutcomesTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ModifiedLoansAxis" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ModifiedLoansAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="pstb_ModifiedLoansAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ModifiedLoansDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ModifiedLoansDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="pstb_ModifiedLoansAxis" xlink:to="pstb_ModifiedLoansDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ModifiedLoansDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ModifiedLoansDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="pstb_ModifiedLoansAxis" xlink:to="pstb_ModifiedLoansDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PayingAsRestructuredMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PayingAsRestructuredMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="pstb_PayingAsRestructuredMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_NonaccrualMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NonaccrualMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="pstb_NonaccrualMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ForeclosureDefaultMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ForeclosureDefaultMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ForeclosureDefaultMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_BelowMarketInterestRateMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_BelowMarketInterestRateMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ModifiedLoansDomain" xlink:to="pstb_BelowMarketInterestRateMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TotalMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TotalMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ModifiedLoansDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TotalMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ExtendedPaymentTermsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ExtendedPaymentTermsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ModifiedLoansDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ExtendedPaymentTermsMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ForgivenessOfPrincipalMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ForgivenessOfPrincipalMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ModifiedLoansDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ForgivenessOfPrincipalMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts1" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/RelatedPartyLoansTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedParties"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedParties" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedPartiesAdditions" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedPartiesAdditions"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedPartiesAdditions" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedPartiesCollections" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedPartiesCollections"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableRelatedPartiesCollections" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ReceivablefromtheFDICTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FDICIndemnificationAssetOtherChangesNet" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FDICIndemnificationAssetOtherChangesNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_FDICIndemnificationAssetOtherChangesNet" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetAdditionalEstimatedLosses" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetAdditionalEstimatedLosses"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetAdditionalEstimatedLosses" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FDICIndemnificationAssetReimbursableExpenses" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FDICIndemnificationAssetReimbursableExpenses"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_FDICIndemnificationAssetReimbursableExpenses" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetAccretionOfDiscount" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetAccretionOfDiscount"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetAccretionOfDiscount" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetCashPaymentsReceived" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetCashPaymentsReceived"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetCashPaymentsReceived" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/OtherRealEstateOwnedTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAdditions" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAdditions"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAdditions" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateDisposals" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateDisposals"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateDisposals" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateValuationAdjustments" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateValuationAdjustments"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateValuationAdjustments" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/OtherRealEstateOwnedbyPortfolioSegmentTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedAxis" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedAxis" xlink:to="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedAxis" xlink:to="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateOwnerOccupiedMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_OtherRealEstateOwnedDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialConstructionMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_NonCoveredOreoAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NonCoveredOreoAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_NonCoveredOreoAbstract" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_NonCoveredOreoAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/SharesUsedinComputationofEarningsperCommonShareTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/IndividualLoanSwapInformationTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_InterestRateSwapsAxis" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_InterestRateSwapsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="pstb_InterestRateSwapsAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_InterestRateSwapsDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_InterestRateSwapsDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="pstb_InterestRateSwapsAxis" xlink:to="pstb_InterestRateSwapsDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_InterestRateSwapsDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_InterestRateSwapsDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="pstb_InterestRateSwapsAxis" xlink:to="pstb_InterestRateSwapsDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OriginalAmountMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OriginalAmountMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OriginalAmountMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CurrentAmountMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CurrentAmountMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CurrentAmountMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FivePointEightFivePercentDue41013Member" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FivePointEightFivePercentDue41013Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_InterestRateSwapsDomain" xlink:to="pstb_FivePointEightFivePercentDue41013Member" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FivePointEightPercentDue4913Member" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FivePointEightPercentDue4913Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_InterestRateSwapsDomain" xlink:to="pstb_FivePointEightPercentDue4913Member" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FivePointFivePercentDue101515Member" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FivePointFivePercentDue101515Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_InterestRateSwapsDomain" xlink:to="pstb_FivePointFivePercentDue101515Member" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FivePointTwoFivePercentDue42717Member" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FivePointTwoFivePercentDue42717Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_InterestRateSwapsDomain" xlink:to="pstb_FivePointTwoFivePercentDue42717Member" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2012/invest-2012-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/FinancialInstrumentsCarryingAmountsandEstimatedFairValuesTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_DepositsAxis" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_DepositsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="pstb_DepositsAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_DepositsDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_DepositsDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="pstb_DepositsAxis" xlink:to="pstb_DepositsDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_DepositsDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_DepositsDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="pstb_DepositsAxis" xlink:to="pstb_DepositsDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_NoStatedMaturityMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NoStatedMaturityMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_DepositsDomain" xlink:to="pstb_NoStatedMaturityMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_StatedMaturityMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_StatedMaturityMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_DepositsDomain" xlink:to="pstb_StatedMaturityMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Investments" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Investments" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_NonmarketableEquitySecurities" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NonmarketableEquitySecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="pstb_NonmarketableEquitySecurities" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNet" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmount" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestReceivable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestReceivable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestReceivable" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivablesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivablesFairValueDisclosure" order="12" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Deposits" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Deposits"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Deposits" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepositsFairValueDisclosure" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherBorrowings" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherBorrowings"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherBorrowings" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationPotentialCashPayment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationPotentialCashPayment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationPotentialCashPayment" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationAtFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationAtFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationAtFairValue" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_FinancialLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_December312012Abstract00" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_December312012Abstract00"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_December312012Abstract00" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract0"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_December312012Abstract00" xlink:to="pstb_FinancialAssetsAbstract0" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/FairValueonaRecurringBasisTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_SwapFairValueHedgeMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SwapFairValueHedgeMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:to="pstb_SwapFairValueHedgeMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AllOtherDebtSecuritiesMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_December312012Abstract000" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_December312012Abstract000"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_December312012Abstract000" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/Level3AssetsReconciliationTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CorporateAndOtherSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CorporateAndOtherSecuritiesAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_CorporateAndOtherSecuritiesAbstract" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CorporateAndOtherSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CorporateAndOtherSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/FairValueonaNonrecurringBasisTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialRealEstateInvestorIncomeProducingMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_HomeEquityLinesOfCreditMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ImpairedLoansAbstract0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ImpairedLoansAbstract0"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="pstb_ImpairedLoansAbstract0" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_ImpairedLoansAbstract0" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_December312012Abstract0000" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_December312012Abstract0000"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:to="pstb_December312012Abstract0000" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ValuationMethodologyandUnobservableInputsforLevel3AssetsTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RangeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="pstb_RangeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RangeDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RangeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="pstb_RangeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinimumMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaximumMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AppraisalsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AppraisalsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AppraisalsMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_DiscountedCashFlowsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_DiscountedCashFlowsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="pstb_DiscountedCashFlowsMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CollateralBasedMeasurementsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CollateralBasedMeasurementsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CollateralBasedMeasurementsMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RealEstate1Member" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RealEstate1Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="pstb_RealEstate1Member" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ImpairedLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ImpairedLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ImpairedLoansMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/ActivityintheCompanysShareBasedPlansTable">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_VestingScheduleAxis" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_VestingScheduleAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="pstb_VestingScheduleAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_VestingScheduleDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_VestingScheduleDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="pstb_VestingScheduleAxis" xlink:to="pstb_VestingScheduleDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_VestingScheduleDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_VestingScheduleDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="pstb_VestingScheduleAxis" xlink:to="pstb_VestingScheduleDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreationDateAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CreationDateDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CreationDateDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:to="pstb_CreationDateDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CreationDateDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CreationDateDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:to="pstb_CreationDateDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockOptionsMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockOptionsMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_BeginningBalanceMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_BeginningBalanceMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CreationDateDomain" xlink:to="pstb_BeginningBalanceMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_EndingBalanceMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_EndingBalanceMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CreationDateDomain" xlink:to="pstb_EndingBalanceMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_VestingScheduleDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_NonvestedRestrictedSharesAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NonvestedRestrictedSharesAggregateIntrinsicValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_NonvestedRestrictedSharesAggregateIntrinsicValue" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" order="12" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" order="13" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="14" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateIntrinsicValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateIntrinsicValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateIntrinsicValue" order="15" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="16" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="17" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RestrictedSharesGrantedAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RestrictedSharesGrantedAggregateIntrinsicValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_RestrictedSharesGrantedAggregateIntrinsicValue" order="18" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" order="19" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="20" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" order="21" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" order="22" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="23" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_NonvestedRestrictedSharesExercisedInPeriodAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NonvestedRestrictedSharesExercisedInPeriodAggregateIntrinsicValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_NonvestedRestrictedSharesExercisedInPeriodAggregateIntrinsicValue" order="24" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" order="25" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="26" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageIntrinsicValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageIntrinsicValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageIntrinsicValue" order="27" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" order="28" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="29" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_NonvestedRestrictedSharesExpiredAndForfeitedAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NonvestedRestrictedSharesExpiredAndForfeitedAggregateIntrinsicValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_NonvestedRestrictedSharesExpiredAndForfeitedAggregateIntrinsicValue" order="30" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_BusinessAcquisitionPricePerSharePaid" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_BusinessAcquisitionPricePerSharePaid"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_BusinessAcquisitionPricePerSharePaid" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_BusinessAcquisitionStockIssuedPerShareOfStockHeld" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_BusinessAcquisitionStockIssuedPerShareOfStockHeld"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_BusinessAcquisitionStockIssuedPerShareOfStockHeld" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_MaximumPercentOfMergerAllowableInCash" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_MaximumPercentOfMergerAllowableInCash"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_MaximumPercentOfMergerAllowableInCash" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_MaximumAmountOfMergerPaidInCommonStock" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_MaximumAmountOfMergerPaidInCommonStock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_MaximumAmountOfMergerPaidInCommonStock" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityCashPaid" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ClosingSharePrice" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ClosingSharePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_ClosingSharePrice" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_BusinessAcquisitionCashPaidForFractionalShares" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_BusinessAcquisitionCashPaidForFractionalShares"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_BusinessAcquisitionCashPaidForFractionalShares" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail0">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AggregateCostMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AggregateCostMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AggregateCostMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateral"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateral" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionsQualitativeDisclosureNumberOfPositions" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_NonmarketableEquitySecurities" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_NonmarketableEquitySecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_NonmarketableEquitySecurities" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FederalHomeLoanBankStock" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail00">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsAxis" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsAxis" xlink:to="pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsAxis" xlink:to="pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_SoldWithLimitedRecourseMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SoldWithLimitedRecourseMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_SoldWithLimitedRecourseMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PledgedOnFHLBBorrowingsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PledgedOnFHLBBorrowingsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_PledgedOnFHLBBorrowingsMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PledgedOnTheFederalReserveDiscountWindowMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PledgedOnTheFederalReserveDiscountWindowMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_PledgedOnTheFederalReserveDiscountWindowMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PerformingLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PerformingLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_PerformingLoansMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AccruingTDRsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AccruingTDRsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AccruingTDRsMember" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_TroubledDebtRestructuringsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_TroubledDebtRestructuringsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TroubledDebtRestructuringsMember" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_EnvironmentalFactorsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_EnvironmentalFactorsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_QualitativeReserveComponentFactorsDomain" xlink:to="pstb_EnvironmentalFactorsMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_PurchasedCreditImpairedLoansMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AllOtherLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AllOtherLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AllOtherLoansMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_LoansSoldToOtherFinancialInstitutionsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_LoansSoldToOtherFinancialInstitutionsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_LoansSoldToOtherFinancialInstitutionsMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherCommercialMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_OtherCommercialMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AcquisitionConstructionAndDevelopmentPortfolioMember" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ResidentialMortgageLoansMember" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_TroubledDebtRestructuringsMember" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountCovered" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountCovered"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetReportedAmountCovered" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLoansHeldForSale" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLoansHeldForSale"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLoansHeldForSale" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPledgedAsCollateral"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansPledgedAsCollateral" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_SpecificReviewLoanThreshold" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SpecificReviewLoanThreshold"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_SpecificReviewLoanThreshold" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksAmountLiability" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksAmountLiability"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksAmountLiability" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ThresholdForLoansEvaluatedForImpairment" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ThresholdForLoansEvaluatedForImpairment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_ThresholdForLoansEvaluatedForImpairment" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeAccrualMethod" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeAccrualMethod"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableInterestIncomeAccrualMethod" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableUnpaidPrincipalBalance" order="12" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PercentageOfTotalAssets" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PercentageOfTotalAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_PercentageOfTotalAssets" order="13" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts1" order="14" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" order="15" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" order="16" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" order="17" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_BankOfHiawasseeAcquiredThroughCitizensSouthMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_BankOfHiawasseeAcquiredThroughCitizensSouthMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_BankOfHiawasseeAcquiredThroughCitizensSouthMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CoveredRealEstateMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CoveredRealEstateMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CoveredRealEstateMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CoveredAssetsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CoveredAssetsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CoveredAssetsMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableGrossCarryingAmountCovered" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAsset" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_MaximumAmountCoveredByFDIC" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_MaximumAmountCoveredByFDIC"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_MaximumAmountCoveredByFDIC" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetCashPaymentsReceived" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetCashPaymentsReceived"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FDICIndemnificationAssetCashPaymentsReceived" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FDICIndemnificationAssetTrueUpAmount" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FDICIndemnificationAssetTrueUpAmount"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_FDICIndemnificationAssetTrueUpAmount" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail0000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommunityCapitalMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommunityCapitalMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommunityCapitalMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateAndForeclosedAssets" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_OtherRealEstateAcquiredInMerger" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_OtherRealEstateAcquiredInMerger"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_OtherRealEstateAcquiredInMerger" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherRealEstateCovered" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateOtherAcquisitions" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateOtherAcquisitions"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealEstateOtherAcquisitions" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransferToOtherRealEstate" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail00000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ConstructionAndDevelopmentMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ConstructionAndDevelopmentMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ConstructionAndDevelopmentMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PCILoansMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PCILoansMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_PCILoansMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_QuantitativeReservesMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_QuantitativeReservesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_QuantitativeReservesMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_QualitativeReservesMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_QualitativeReservesMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_QualitativeReservesMember" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanLossesExpensed" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsDomestic" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableAllowance" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedFinancingReceivableRelatedAllowance" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToExpiration" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToExpiration"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToExpiration" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDates" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDates"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDates" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeAxis" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RangeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="pstb_RangeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RangeDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RangeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="pstb_RangeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockOptionsMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockOptionsMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_FirstMarketPerformanceConditionMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_FirstMarketPerformanceConditionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_FirstMarketPerformanceConditionMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_SecondMarketPerformanceConditionsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SecondMarketPerformanceConditionsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_SecondMarketPerformanceConditionsMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ThirdMarketPerformanceConditionMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ThirdMarketPerformanceConditionMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ThirdMarketPerformanceConditionMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_MarketPerformanceConditionsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_MarketPerformanceConditionsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="pstb_MarketPerformanceConditionsMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharePrice" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail0000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RangeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="pstb_RangeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RangeDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RangeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="pstb_RangeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreationDateAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CreationDateDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CreationDateDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:to="pstb_CreationDateDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CreationDateDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CreationDateDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:to="pstb_CreationDateDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinimumMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaximumMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporationMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_SecondThroughTenthDividendPeriodsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_SecondThroughTenthDividendPeriodsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CreationDateDomain" xlink:to="pstb_SecondThroughTenthDividendPeriodsMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_EleventhThroughFirstHalfOfTheNineteenthDividendPeriodsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_EleventhThroughFirstHalfOfTheNineteenthDividendPeriodsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CreationDateDomain" xlink:to="pstb_EleventhThroughFirstHalfOfTheNineteenthDividendPeriodsMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_AfterFourAndAHalfYearsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_AfterFourAndAHalfYearsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CreationDateDomain" xlink:to="pstb_AfterFourAndAHalfYearsMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_PercentageOfSigningDateTier1Capital" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_PercentageOfSigningDateTier1Capital"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_PercentageOfSigningDateTier1Capital" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ReductionOfTier1CapitalRequirementsPerYear" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ReductionOfTier1CapitalRequirementsPerYear"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_ReductionOfTier1CapitalRequirementsPerYear" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail00000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAxis" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAxis" xlink:to="pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesAxis" xlink:to="pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_UndisbursedLinesOfCreditMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_UndisbursedLinesOfCreditMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_UndisbursedLinesOfCreditMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CommercialLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CommercialLettersOfCreditMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CommercialLettersOfCreditMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitment" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitment"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCommitment" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail000000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_LoanSwapsMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_LoanSwapsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:to="pstb_LoanSwapsMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfInterestRateCashFlowHedgeDerivatives" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfInterestRateCashFlowHedgeDerivatives"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfInterestRateCashFlowHedgeDerivatives" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNet1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNet1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueNet1" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassifiedToEarningsNet" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassifiedToEarningsNet"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassifiedToEarningsNet" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail0000000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RangeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="pstb_RangeDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RangeDomain_0" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RangeDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="pstb_RangeDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinimumMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="pstb_RangeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaximumMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_RealEstate1Member" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_RealEstate1Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="pstb_RealEstate1Member" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_BeforeImpairmentMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_BeforeImpairmentMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="pstb_BeforeImpairmentMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealEstateAcquiredThroughForeclosure" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfRealEstate" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfRealEstate"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfRealEstate" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/NoteDetail00000000000">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="0" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_0" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_0" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockOptionsMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionsMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockOptionsMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporation2008EquityIncentivePlanMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporation2008EquityIncentivePlanMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CitizensSouthBankingCorporation2008EquityIncentivePlanMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CitizensSouthBankCorporation2003StockOptionPlanMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CitizensSouthBankCorporation2003StockOptionPlanMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CitizensSouthBankCorporation2003StockOptionPlanMember" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_CitizenSouthBankCorporation1999StockOptionPlanMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_CitizenSouthBankCorporation1999StockOptionPlanMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:to="pstb_CitizenSouthBankCorporation1999StockOptionPlanMember" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ParkSterlingCorporation2010LongTermIncentivePlanMember" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ParkSterlingCorporation2010LongTermIncentivePlanMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="pstb_ParkSterlingCorporation2010LongTermIncentivePlanMember" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="pstb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestsInPeriod" xlink:href="pstb-20130331.xsd#pstb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestsInPeriod"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="pstb_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestsInPeriod" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="12" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" order="13" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" order="14" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" order="15" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" order="16" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://parksterlingbank.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName" order="0" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" order="3" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityPublicFloat" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityPublicFloat"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityPublicFloat" order="4" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag" order="5" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentDescription" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentDescription"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentDescription" order="6" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" order="7" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" order="8" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers" order="9" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory" order="10" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer" order="11" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" order="12" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" order="13" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" order="14" xbrldt:closed="true"/>
  </definitionLink>
</linkbase>
