[kuh
n-sis-tuh-ree] 
| 1. | any of various ecclesiastical councils or tribunals. |
| 2. | the place where such a council or tribunal meets. |
| 3. | the meeting of any such body. |
| 4. | Roman Catholic Church. a solemn assembly of the whole body of cardinals, summoned and presided over by the pope. |
| 5. | Anglican Church. a diocesan court for dealing with ecclesiastical and spiritual questions, held in the cathedral church and presided over by the bishop, the bishop's chancellor, or the commissary. |
| 6. | (in certain Reformed churches) the governing board of a local church or congregation. |
| 7. | any assembly or council. |
| 8. | Obsolete. a council chamber. |