synod

n. [ L. synodus, Gr. sy`nodos a meeting; sy`n with + "odo`s a way; cf. AS. sinoð, senoð, F. synode, both from the Latin.] 1. (Eccl. Hist.) An ecclesiastic council or meeting to consult on church matters. [1913 Webster]

☞ 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. [1913 Webster]

2. An assembly or council having civil authority; a legislative body. [1913 Webster]

It hath in solemn synods been decreed,
Both by the Syracusians and ourselves,
To admit no traffic to our adverse towns. Shak. [1913 Webster]

Parent of gods and men, propitious Jove!
And you, bright synod of the powers above. Dryden. [1913 Webster]

3. (Astron.) A conjunction of two or more of the heavenly bodies. [R.] Milton. [1913 Webster]