synod

Noun

1. An ecclesiastic council or meeting to consult on church matters.
   • Addressing a number of previously taboo topics, this synod could result in several liberalizing reforms, though there is no guarantee that it will produce anything at all. - 2023 October 2, Jason Horowitz, Elisabetta...
2. An administrative division of churches, either the entire denomination, as in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, or a mid-level division (middle judicatory, district) as in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
3. An assembly or council having civil authority (formal); a legislative body.
   • It hath in solemn synods been decreed. - c. 1594 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Comedie of Errors”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard,...
   • A third part of the Gods, in synod met / Their deities to assert; who, while they feel / Vigour divine within them, can allow / Omnipotence to none. - 1667, John Milton, “Book VI”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […]...
   • Parent of Gods and Men, propitious Jove! / And you bright ſynod of the Pow'rs above; / On this my ſon your gracious gifts beſtow; / Grant him to live, and great in arms to grow, [...] - a. 1701 (date written), John...
4. A conjunction of two or more of the heavenly bodies.