congregation

noun

1. 1

   The act of congregating or collecting together.

2. 2

   A gathering of faithful in a temple, church, synagogue, mosque or other place of worship. It can also refer to the people who are present at a devotional service in the building, particularly in contrast to the pastor, minister, imam, rabbi etc. and/or choir, who may be seated apart from the general congregation or lead the service (notably in responsory form).

3. 3

   A Roman Congregation, a main department of the Vatican administration of the Catholic Church.

4. 4

   A corporate body whose members gather for worship, or the members of such a body.

5. 5

   Any large gathering of people.

6. 6

   A group of eagles.

7. 7

   (Oxford University) The main body of university staff, comprising academics, administrative staff, heads of colleges, etc.