n. & v.
n. 1 a building for public (usu. Christian) worship. 2 a meeting for public worship in such a building (go to church; met after church). 3 (Church) the body of all Christians. 4 (Church) the clergy or clerical profession (went into the Church). 5 (Church) an organized Christian group or society of any time, country, or distinct principles of worship (the primitive Church; Church of Scotland; High Church). 6 (Church) institutionalized religion as a political or social force (Church and State).
v.tr. bring (esp. a woman after childbirth) to church for a service of thanksgiving. Church Army an organization of the Church of England concerned with social welfare. Church Commissioners a body managing the finances of the Church of England. Church of England the English Church, recognized by the State and having the sovereign as its head. church school a school founded by or associated with the Church of England.
[ OE cirice, circe, etc. f. med. Gk kurikon f. Gk kuriakon (doma) Lord's (house) f. kurios Lord: cf. KIRK ]