synod

From Ancient Greek σύνοδος (súnodos, “assembly, meeting”), from σύν (sún, “with”) (English syn-) + ὁδός (hodós, “way, path”).

• IPA^(key): /ˈsɪn.əd/

synod (plural synods)

1. An ecclesiastic council or meeting to consult on church matters.
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; a legislative body.
   • (Can we date this quote?) William Shakespeare

     It hath in solemn synods been decreed.

   • (Can we date this quote?) Dryden

     Parent of gods and men, propitious Jove! And you, bright synod of the powers above.

   • (Can we date this quote?) John Milton

     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. (astronomy) A conjunction of two or more of the heavenly bodies.

Usage differs between different churches – see uses in different Communions.

• council

• general synod
• synodal
• synodic

• Dyson, dynos, dyons

synod m

1. synod (an ecclesiastic council or meeting to consult on church matters)

• synoda