1. a church tribunal or ecclesiastical court
Usage: ecclesiastical
2. a solemn assembly of Roman Catholic cardinals convoked by the pope
Usage: Roman Catholic Church
3. a church session or governing body in certain Protestant denominations
Usage: Protestant churches

Examples

• The bishop convened a consistory to address the matter.
• Cardinals gathered in consistory to discuss church affairs.
• The consistory met to review the pastor’s conduct.
• Pope Francis called a consistory for the creation of new cardinals.
• The local consistory voted on the church budget.
• Medieval consistories had jurisdiction over marriage disputes.