Synod /(sĭn"ŭd)/

Syn·od

Synod

n.
  1. An ecclesiastic council or meeting to consult on church matters. (Eccl. Hist.)
  2. An assembly or council having civil authority; a legislative body.
    It hath in solemn synods been decreed, Both by the Syracusians and ourselves, To admit no traffic to our adverse towns.
    Parent of gods and men, propitious Jove! And you, bright synod of the powers above.
  3. A conjunction of two or more of the heavenly bodies. (Astron.) [R.]