consistory

noun

1. 1

   A place of standing or staying together; hence, any solemn assembly or council.

2. 2

   The spiritual court of a diocesan bishop held before his chancellor or commissioner in his cathedral church or elsewhere.

3. 3

   An assembly of prelates; a session of the college of cardinals at Rome.

4. 4

   A church tribunal or governing body, especially of elders in a Reformed church.

5. 5

   A civil court of justice.