/
kənˈsɪst(ə)ri/
n.
(pl. consistories)
- (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.
Derivative
- consistorial
/ˌkɒnsɪˈstɔːrɪəl/
adj.
Etymology
ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. consistorie, from late L. consistorium, from consistere (see consist).