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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Etymology

Origin of classis

1585–95; < Latin: class

Example Sentences

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

An Commemoratio Missae pro sponso et sponsa dicenda prout ex dicto decreto in Missis de duplici primae vel secundae classis dici debeat sub unica conclusione cum oratione Festi vel sub altera conclusione?

From Irish Ecclesiastical Record, Volume 1, May 1865 by

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

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 Jameson, J. Franklin (John Franklin)

The next higher power, administrative or judicial, resided in the classis, consisting of all the ministers in a given district and one elder from each parish therein, and corresponding to the presbytery.

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