consistory

/ˈkɑnsɪstɔri/
noun
  1. A council or assembly of church officials, especially in certain Christian denominations.
    • He was appointed to serve on the consistory of the local parish.
    • The consistory's decision was announced after a long debate.
    • The consistory met to discuss the new church building.
  2. A court or governing body of a church, especially in Reformed or Presbyterian traditions.
    • The consistory handled disputes between church members.
    • The consistory's authority extends over church discipline.
    • She appealed the ruling to the higher consistory.
  3. In the Roman Catholic Church, a formal meeting of cardinals presided over by the pope.
    • The pope called a consistory to create new cardinals.
    • During the consistory, the cardinals discussed church reforms.
    • The consistory was held in the Vatican's apostolic palace.
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