synod

noun

Etymology: From Ancient Greek σύνοδος (súnodos, “assembly, meeting”) – from σύν (sún, “with”) (English syn-) + ὁδός (hodós, “way, path”). Compare also with the term סַנְהֶדְרִין (“sanhedrin”) common throughout Hebrew Talmudic literature.

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.”

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.”

   “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.”

4. A conjunction of two or more of the heavenly bodies.