consistory

consistory is a   Noun

Definition:

[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. Milton.

[2] The spiritual court of a diocesan bishop held before his chancellor or commissioner in his cathedral church or elsewhere. Hook.

[3] An assembly of prelates; a session of the college of cardinals at Rome. Pius was then hearing of causes in consistory. Bacon.

[4] A church tribunal or governing body.

[5] A civil court of justice. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Synonyms: