n. [ L. synodus, Gr. sy`nodos a meeting; sy`n with + "odo`s a way; cf. AS. sinoð, senoð, F. synode, both from the Latin.] 1. (Eccl. Hist.) An ecclesiastic council or meeting to consult on church matters. [1913 Webster]

☞ Synods are of four kinds: 1. General, or ecumenical, which are composed of bishops from different nations; -- commonly called general council. 2. National, composed of bishops of one nation only. 3. Provincial, in which the bishops of only one province meet; -- called also convocations. 4. Diocesan, a synod in which the bishop of the diocese or his representative presides. Among Presbyterians, a synod is composed of several adjoining presbyteries. The members are the ministers and a ruling elder from each parish. [1913 Webster]

2. An assembly or council having civil authority; a legislative body. [1913 Webster]

It hath in solemn synods been decreed,
Both by the Syracusians and ourselves,
To admit no traffic to our adverse towns. Shak. [1913 Webster]

Parent of gods and men, propitious Jove!
And you, bright synod of the powers above. Dryden. [1913 Webster]

3. (Astron.) A conjunction of two or more of the heavenly bodies. [R.] Milton. [1913 Webster]

a. [ L. synodalis: cf. F. synodal. ] Synodical. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. (Ch. of Eng.) A tribute in money formerly paid to the bishop or archdeacon, at the time of his Easter visitation, by every parish priest, now made to the ecclesiastical commissioners; a procuration. [ 1913 Webster ]

Synodals are due, of common right, to the bishop only. Gibson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A constitution made in a provincial or diocesan synod. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. [ L. synodicus, Gr. &unr_;: cf. F. synodique. ] 1. (Eccl.) Of or pertaining to a synod; transacted in, or authorized by, a synod; as, synodical proceedings or forms. “A synodical epistle.” Bp. Stillingfleet. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Astron.) Pertaining to conjunction, especially to the period between two successive conjunctions; extending from one conjunction, as of the moon or a planet with the sun, to the next; as, a synodical month (see Lunar month, under Month); the synodical revolution of the moon or a planet. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a synodical manner; in a synod; by the authority of a synod. “Synodically agreed upon.” R. Nelson. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. An adherent to a synod. [ 1913 Webster ]

These synodists thought fit in Latin as yet to veil their decrees from vulgar eyes. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]