ə̇ˈklēzēə, eˈ-, -lēzh(ē)ə noun
( plural ecclesi·ae -lēz(h)ēˌē, -lāzēˌī)
Etymology: in sense 1, from Latin, from Greek ekklēsia; in other senses, from Late Latin, church, from Latin
1. : a political assembly of citizens of ancient Greek states ; especially : the periodic meeting of the Athenian citizens for conducting public business and for considering affairs proposed by the council
2. : church 4d, 4e
3. : one of the local organizations of the Christadelphians