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

---

Etymology

Origin of Sanhedrin

1580–90; < late Hebrew Sanhedhrīn < Greek synédrion, equivalent to syn- syn- + hédr ( a ) seat ( 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

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

The Sanhedrin, a Jewish group that says it aims to restore the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, is one of three organizations behind the coin.

From Seattle Times

My father and I were studying Sanhedrin—slowly, patiently, intensively, not leaving a passage until my father was satisfied that, at least for the present, we understood it fully.

From Literature

Capital cases were once heard by a Jewish court known as the Sanhedrin, made up of either 23 or 70 rabbis.

From Washington Post