classis

American  

[klas-is] / ˈklæs ɪs /

noun

• classes
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• classes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of classis

1585–95; < Latin: class

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

classis classes

In imperial times it was the most important town in the island, mainly owing to its fine sheltered harbour, where a detachment of the classis Misenas was stationed.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 3 "Capefigue" to "Carneades" by Various

The two Reformed pastors used the most strenuous endeavors through the classis of Amsterdam to defeat the petition, under the fear that the concession of this privilege would tend to the diminution of their congregation.

From A History of American Christianity by Leonard Woolsey Bacon

This draught was referred to the consideration of a second classis, who made no less than six hundred exceptions to it.

From Notes and Queries, Number 212, November 19, 1853 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by George Bell

In the Duchies of Cleve, Julich and Berg, the Presbyterians or Reformed from the Netherlands, welcomed as refugees, had secured a full, self-governing, Presbyterial system in the congregation, classis and synod.

From The Organization of the Congregation in the Early Lutheran Churches in America by Beale M. Schmucker

In 1637-1638 we find the classis vainly endeavoring to send him again to New Netherland, but prevented by the Company, which had a veto upon all such appointments in its dominions.

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

Some are investing in classes designed for wine professionals, with the hope that their education might open career doors.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

After taking up comedy classes and street performances on the East Coast, Zucker quickly transitioned to working in theater and eventually moved to L.A. at 18 to pursue comedy, interning at Upright Citizens Brigade.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026

It reports patients were given classes on how to deliver a baby on the side of the motorway, as the nearest maternity ward is nearly two hours away in Exeter.

From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026

The day my classes were deleted in 2021, I did an emergency phone shrink session where my therapist reminded me that with stints as a poet, novelist and journalist, I was well-versed at reinvention.

From Salon ● Aug. 24, 2026

It rings at the end of every class, and then again eight minutes later, to make sure we’re all in our classes on time.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy