Syn′od, n.

n. [Fr. synode, Lat. synodus, Gr. σύνοδος, a meeting, from σύν, with, and ὁδός, a way; A-S. sinōd, sinōdh, synōdh, seonādh, seonōd.]

1Sense 1. (Eccl. Hist.) A council or meeting of ecclesiastics to consult on matters of religion.

Synods are of four kinds: 1. General, or ecumenical, which are composed of bishops from different nations; 2. National, in which the bishops of one nation only meet, to determine points of doctrine or discipline; 3. Provincial, in which the bishops of one province only meet;—called also convocations; 4. Diocesan. Among Presbyterians, a synod is composed of several adjoining presbyteries. The members are the ministers and a ruling elder from each parish.

2Sense 2. A meeting, convention, or council; as, a synod of gods.

Parent of gods and men, propitious Jove! And you bright synod of the powers above, On this my son your gracious gifts bestow. Dryden.

3Sense 3. (Astron.) A conjunction, as of two or more of the heavenly bodies. [Rare.]

To the blank moon Her office they prescribed; to the other five Their planetary motions and aspects, In sextile, square, and trine, and opposite, Of noxious efficacy, and when to join In synod unbenign. Milton.