ˈsinəd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin synodus synod, conjunction of heavenly bodies, from Late Greek & Greek; Late Greek synodos synod, from Greek, assembly, meeting, conjunction of heavenly bodies, from syn- + hodos way, journey — more at cede
1. : an ecclesiastical council : a formal meeting to consult and decide on church matters
2. : a church governing or advisory body: as
a. : an official meeting of clerical and lay deputies from the dioceses within a province of the Protestant Episcopal Church
b. : a Presbyterian judicatory ranking in authority above a presbytery but below the general governing body and composed of the members of or delegates from all the presbyteries within its bounds
c. : any of the courts above the classes in various Reformed Churches
d. : a denominational body of clerical and lay delegates representing the congregations within a region
each of the 33 synods of the Evangelical and Reformed Church
e. : the entire body of a church or denomination — see general synod , holy synod
3. : the ecclesiastical district governed by a synod
commended to all churches within the bounds of that synod
4.
a. : council , assembly
b. : convention , meeting