Sanhedrin

[ san-hed-rin, -hee-drin, sahn-, san-i-drin ]

/ sænˈhɛd rɪn, -ˈhi drɪn, sɑn-, ˈsæn ɪ drɪn /

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noun Jewish History.

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.

Also called Lesser Sanhedrin. a lower tribunal of this period, consisting of 23 members.

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Also San·he·drim

[san-hi-drim, san-i-]. /ˈsæn hɪ drɪm, ˈsæn ɪ-/.

Origin of Sanhedrin

1580–90; <late Hebrew Sanhedhrīn<Greek synédrion, equivalent to syn-syn- + hédr(a) seat (cf. cathedral) + -ion noun suffix

Words nearby Sanhedrin

sanguinary, sanguine, sanguineous, sanguinolent, sanguivorous, Sanhedrin, Sanibel Island, sanicle, sanidine, sanies, San Ildefonso

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Sanhedrin in a sentence

In the introduction to his commentary on the eleventh chapter of the Mishnic treatise Sanhedrin (chapter Helek).
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik
Of all the Sanhedrin only Sameas “a righteous man and therefore superior to fear” dared to speak.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 4|Various
A new Sanhedrin was formed there under the presidency of a ruler, who received yearly dues from all Jewish communities.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 4|Various
Such a Court would not be a secret diplomatic Sanhedrin, but a democratic Tribunal.
German Problems and Personalities|Charles Sarolea

The Sanhedrin sat in a semicircle in order that the members might be able to see one another.
The Worlds Greatest Books, Volume XIII.|Various

British Dictionary definitions for Sanhedrin

Sanhedrin

/ (ˈsænɪdrɪn) /

noun Judaism

the supreme judicial, ecclesiastical, and administrative council of the Jews in New Testament times, having 71 members

a similar tribunal of 23 members having less important functions and authority

Word Origin for Sanhedrin

C16: from Late Hebrew, from Greek sunedrion council, from sun- syn- + hedra seat

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012