GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found one definition

1.       
   Senate , n. [OE. senat, F. sénat, fr. L. senatus, fr. senex, gen. senis, old, an old man. See Senior, Sir.]
   An assembly or council having the highest deliberative and legislative functions. Specifically: (a) (Anc. Rom.) A body of elders appointed or elected from among the nobles of the nation, and having supreme legislative authority.
   1913 Webster
   The senate was thus the medium through which all affairs of the whole government had to pass.
   Dr. W. Smith.
   
   1913 Webster
   (b) The upper and less numerous branch of a legislature in various countries, as in France, in the United States, in most of the separate States of the United States, and in some Swiss cantons. (c) In general, a legislative body; a state council; the legislative department of government.
   1913 Webster
   The governing body of the Universities of Cambridge and London. [Eng.]
   1913 Webster
   In some American colleges, a council of elected students, presided over by the president of the college, to which are referred cases of discipline and matters of general concern affecting the students. [U. S.]
   1913 Webster
   Senate chamber, a room where a senate meets when it transacts business. -- Senate house, a house where a senate meets when it transacts business.
   1913 Webster