01 n. An assembly or council having the highest deliberative and legislative functions.
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1.
An assembly or council having the highest deliberative and legislative functions.(Anc. Rom.)“The senate was thus the medium through which all affairs of the whole government had to pass.” — Dr. W. Smith.
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2.
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.
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3.
The governing body of the Universities of Cambridge and London.[Eng.]
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4.
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.]
Phrases & compounds
Senate chamber —
a room where a senate meets when it transacts business.
Senate house —
a house where a senate meets when it transacts business.