prēˈsidēəm, prə̇ˈ-, -ˈzi- noun
also prae·sid·i·um “, prī-
( plural presid·ia -dēə ; or presidiums )
Etymology: Russian prezidium, from Latin praesidium defense, garrison, fortification
1. : a permanent executive committee selected in Communist countries from a larger body in theory to act for the larger body when in recess but usually regarded as exercising full powers for and in the name of the parent body
the presidium … in practice is the effective working part of the Supreme Soviet — J.A.Corry
the presidium of the central committee … replaced the politburo — Julian Towster
the presidium of the Yugoslav parliament — M.S.Handler
— compare politburo 1
2. : a presiding or executive committee in a nongovernmental organization
elected to the three-man presidium of the … orchestra association — Springfield (Massachusetts) Union