(ˈ)sanˈhēdrə̇n, sän-, -ˈhed-; ˈsan(h)ēˌdrin, -nə̇ˌ-, -_drə̇n noun
or san·he·drim -rə̇m, -rim
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Mishnaic Hebrew sanhedhrīn ( gĕdhōlāh ) (great) Sanhedrin, from Greek synedrion, literally, council, council chamber, from synedros sitting in council, from syn- + hedra seat — more at sit
1. : the supreme council and tribunal of the ancient Jewish nation consisting of 70-72 members and having jurisdiction over religious matters and important civil and criminal cases
2. : one of the provincial councils of the ancient Jews consisting of 23 members and having jurisdiction over minor civil and criminal cases