Consistory /(? or ?; 277)/

pl. Consistories

1. Primarily, a place of standing or staying together; hence, any solemn assembly or council.

   To council summons all his mighty peers, Within thick clouds and dark tenfold involved, A gloomy consistory.

2. The spiritual court of a diocesan bishop held before his chancellor or commissioner in his cathedral church or elsewhere. (Eng. Ch.)
3. An assembly of prelates; a session of the college of cardinals at Rome. (R. C. Ch.)

   Pius was then hearing of causes in consistory.

4. A church tribunal or governing body.
5. A civil court of justice. [Obs.]

1. Of the nature of, or pertaining to, a consistory.