Sanhedrin
Americannoun
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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.
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Also called Lesser Sanhedrin. a lower tribunal of this period, consisting of 23 members.
noun
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the supreme judicial, ecclesiastical, and administrative council of the Jews in New Testament times, having 71 members
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a similar tribunal of 23 members having less important functions and authority
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.
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
According to Jewish scripture, the Sanhedrin was reconstituted there with Roman consent during a rebellion that led to the second century fighting in Jerusalem.
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
That night there was another secret council of some of the Sanhedrin, and Judas Iscariot was in their midst.
From Joel: A Boy of Galilee by Johnston, Annie F. (Annie Fellows)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
