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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.
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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

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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

Word Origin and History for sanhedrin

sanhedrin

n.

see sanhedrim.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper