A church council or assembly of clergy and sometimes laypeople that makes decisions about religious matters.
From Greek 'synodos,' combining 'syn-' (together) and 'hodos' (road or way). Literally meant 'traveling together' or 'meeting on the road,' evolved into formal church assemblies.
Early Christians on the road to church councils literally traveled together, which is why the word means 'together-road'—and synods still govern churches today with the same basic structure that started in 325 AD.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.