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.

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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

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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

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

But he uncritically accepts as fact many other passages, like precisely what Jesus is supposed to have said at his trial before the high priest and full Sanhedrin.

From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2013

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

Sanhedrim, Sanhedrin, san′hē-drim, -drin, n. the supreme ecclesiastical and judicial tribunal of the Jews down to 425 A.D.: any similar assembly, a parliament.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various