Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Synod?

\Syn"od\ (s[i^]n"[u^]d), n. [L. synodus, Gr. sy`nodos a meeting; sy`n with + "odo`s a way; cf. AS. sino[eth], seno[eth], F. synode, both from the Latin.] 1. (Eccl. Hist.) An ecclesiastic council or meeting to consult on church matters. Note: Synods are of four kinds: 1. General, or ecumenical, which are composed of bishops from different nations; -- commonly called general council. 2. National, composed of bishops of one nation only. 3. Provincial, in which the bishops of only one province meet; -- called also convocations. 4. Diocesan, a synod in which the bishop of the diocese or his representative presides. Among Presbyterians, a synod is composed of several adjoining presbyteries. The members are the ministers and a ruling elder from each parish. 2. An assembly or council having civil authority; a legislative body. It hath in solemn synods been decreed, Both by the Syracusians and ourselves, To admit no traffic to our adverse towns. --Shak. Parent of gods and men, propitious Jove! And you, bright synod of the powers above. --Dryden. 3. (Astron.) A conjunction of two or more of the heavenly bodies. [R.] --Milton.