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Sanhedrin

American  
[san-hed-rin, -hee-drin, sahn-, san-i-drin] / sænˈhɛd rɪn, -ˈhi drɪn, sɑn-, ˈsæn ɪ drɪn /
Also Sanhedrim

noun

Jewish History.
  1. Also called Great Sanhedrin. the highest council of the ancient Jews, consisting of 71 members, and exercising authority from about the 2nd century b.c.

  2. Also called Lesser Sanhedrin. a lower tribunal of this period, consisting of 23 members.


Sanhedrin British  
/ ˈsænɪdrɪn /

noun

  1. the supreme judicial, ecclesiastical, and administrative council of the Jews in New Testament times, having 71 members

  2. a similar tribunal of 23 members having less important functions and authority

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Sanhedrin

1580–90; < late Hebrew Sanhedhrīn < Greek synédrion, equivalent to syn- syn- + hédr ( a ) seat ( cf. cathedral) + -ion noun suffix


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The bullying Sanhedrin constables, led by a pricelessly cowardly Jared Loftin, are all about keeping the oppressed in line.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 16, 2022

The excavation unearthed ruins of a building with cups made of chalkstone, a material deemed appropriate for Jewish religious rites, pointing to the presence of the exiled Sanhedrin legislative assembly, the Israel Antiquities Authority said.

From Reuters ● Nov. 29, 2021

The Talmud, in Tractate Sanhedrin, guides that courts ought to actively seek – and prefer compromise in – monetary matters, rather than move to judgment.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 28, 2012

She has also helped to decide whether you’re a shop owner, an apostle or a member of the Sanhedrin.

From New York Times ● Apr. 20, 2011

Soon after an imperial decree convoked the grand Sanhedrin for the purpose of ratifying the decisions of the Notables.

From Creed And Deed A Series of Discourses by Felix Adler

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