catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  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.