English Lexicon

Church council

/ˈtʃɜːrtʃ ˈkaʊn.sɪl/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #14500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    An assembly of bishops and other church officials convened to regulate matters of doctrine, discipline, or liturgy.

    "The ancient church council met to resolve theological disputes over the nature of Christ."
  2. 2

    A local or regional governing body within certain Protestant denominations.

    "The church council voted to approve the budget for the upcoming year."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Old English 'cirice' (ultimately from Greek 'kuriakon') combined with Anglo-Norman 'cuncil' and Latin 'concilium' (an assembly or meeting). Historically used since medieval times to describe formal assemblies of ecclesiastical dignitaries called to settle points of doctrine and discipline.

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