Definition

Proper noun 1. An Ecumenical Council of the Roman Catholic Church: Any of a series of five major church councils convened in Rome between the 12th and 16th centuries. These councils were significant for establishing doctrine, addressing heresies, and enacting reforms within the Western Church.

Usage

• The term is used historically and theologically to refer to these specific councils. It is typically capitalized as a proper noun.
• It is often specified by number (e.g., the First Lateran Council, the Fourth Lateran Council).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Lateran Council of 1215 defined the doctrine of transubstantiation.
  • Several important reform decrees were issued by the Lateran Councils.
  • Scholars often study the canons of the Fourth Lateran Council.

Advanced Usage

• "To be condemned by a Lateran Council": To have a belief or practice formally declared heretical or unacceptable by one of these councils.
  • The teachings of the Albigensians were condemned by a Lateran Council.

Variants and Related Words

• Lateran: (Proper noun) Referring to the site in Rome, the Lateran Palace and Basilica, where these councils were held. This is the root location from which the councils take their name.
• Ecumenical Council: (Noun) A broader term for a worldwide council of bishops convened to discuss and settle matters of Church doctrine and practice. The Lateran Councils are considered ecumenical councils by the Catholic Church.

Synonyms

• Council of the Lateran: A direct synonym.
• Western Council: A less specific term that could refer to these or other councils not held in the East.

Different Meanings

• This term refers specifically to the five councils held between 1123 and 1517. It does not refer to other Catholic councils (e.g., the Council of Trent, the Second Vatican Council) or to councils of other Christian traditions.

Noun

1. any of five general councils of the Western Catholic Church that were held in the Lateran Palace