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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• classes
  plural

---

Etymology

Origin of classis

1585–95; < Latin: class

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

classis classes

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

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

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 Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron Macaulay

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

President Emmanuel Macron has called for classes to resume in a calm manner, arguing that "young people have been heard".

From Barron's ● Nov. 2, 2026

Give Bob Chesney a couple more recruiting classes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026

She also offers classes in darning using contrasting vibrant colours that celebrate, rather than disguise, the repair.

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

At the city council meeting, fourth-grade teacher Sharon LaPlante argued that there was no way teachers could handle classes of 28 students, especially when many have additional needs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026

We swap book recommendations as we walk out of the library, and it comes out that we’re both in the honors track for ninth grade, so hopefully we’ll have some classes together.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---