classis

American  

[klas-is] / ˈklæs ɪs /

noun

plural

classes

1. the organization of pastors and elders that governs a group of local churches; a presbytery.

2. the group of churches governed by such an organization.

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classis British  

/ ˈklæsɪs /

noun

1. a governing body of elders or pastors

2. the district or group of local churches directed by such a body

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Etymology

Origin of classis

1585–95; < Latin: class

Example Sentences

The two antagonists sailed in the same ship, in 1647, to lay their dispute before the authorities in Holland, the Company and the classis.

From A History of American Christianity by Bacon, Leonard Woolsey

It hath been thought by some that this classis of men might with advantage be not only imprisoned but pilloried.

From Critical and Historical Essays — Volume 2 by Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron

The classis, by letter of December 16, 1661, ruled that according to the practice of the Dutch churches, his Mennonite baptism was to be regarded as sufficient.

From Narratives of New Netherland, 1609-1664 by Jameson, J. Franklin (John Franklin)

Those who were able to provide themselves with the armor necessary for taking their place in the phalanx formed the classis or “levy.”

From A History of Rome to 565 A. D. by Boak, Arthur Edward Romilly

Juvenal, 7, 151, perimit s�vos classis numerosa tyrannos.

From The Conflict of Religions in the Early Roman Empire by Glover, T. R. (Terrot Reaveley)