Definition

Proper noun 1. A city in France: A major city in east-central France, located at the confluence of the Rhone and Saône rivers, historically known as a center for silk and textile production. 2. Historical church councils: Refers to two significant ecumenical councils of the Roman Catholic Church held in the city of Lyon (Lyons) in the 13th century.

Examples of Usage

• As a city:
  • Lyons is famous for its gastronomy and historical architecture.
  • The silk industry in Lyons was once world-renowned.
• As a historical council:
  • The First Council of Lyons was convened in 1245.
  • The Second Council of Lyons attempted to reconcile the Eastern and Western churches.

Advanced Usage

• "The Lyons Councils": A collective term used by historians to refer to the two 13th-century ecumenical councils held in the city.
  • The doctrinal decisions of the Lyons Councils were significant for medieval Christendom.

Variants and Related Words

• Lyon: The modern, more common spelling for the French city. "Lyons" is an older anglicized spelling.
  • I am traveling to Lyon next week.
• Lyonnais (adj): Pertaining to the city or region of Lyon.
  • Lyonnais cuisine is considered some of the best in France.

Synonyms

• (For the city): Metropolitan center, urban area.
• (For the councils): Ecumenical council, synod.

Notes on Different Meanings

1. Geographical/Locational Meaning: This is the most common contemporary usage, referring specifically to the French city, its culture, and its economy.
2. Historical/Religious Meaning: This is a specialized usage found primarily in historical and theological texts, referring to the two important medieval church councils.

Noun

1. the council of the Western Church in 1245 that excommunicated Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and planned a new crusade against the Holy Land
2. the council in 1274 that effected a temporary reunion of the Greek Orthodox with the Roman Catholic Church
3. a city in east-central France on the Rhone River; a principal producer of silk and rayon