consistory

 
Pronunciation: /kənˈsɪst(ə)ri/

noun (plural consistories)

  • a church council or court, in particular:
  • (in the Roman Catholic Church) the council of cardinals, with or without the Pope.
  • (also consistory court) (in the Church of England) a court presided over by a bishop, for the administration of ecclesiastical law in a diocese.
  • (in other Churches) a local administrative body.

Derivatives

consistorial

Pronunciation: /ˌkɒnsɪˈstɔːrɪəl/
adjective

Origin:

Middle English (originally denoting a non-ecclesiastical council): from Anglo-Norman French consistorie, from late Latin consistorium, from consistere 'stand firm' (see consist)