{ } a. [ L. oecumenicus, Gr. &unr_; (sc. &unr_;) the inhabited world, fr. &unr_; to inhabit, from o'i^kos house, dwelling. See Economy. ] General; universal; in ecclesiastical usage, that which concerns the whole church; as, an ecumenical council. [ Written also œcumenical. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
Ecumenical Bishop, a title assumed by the popes. -- Ecumenical council. See under Council. [ 1913 Webster ]
(n) (early Christian church) one of seven gatherings of bishops from around the known world under the presidency of the Pope to regulate matters of faith and morals and discipline, Example:the first seven councils through 787 are considered to be ecumenical councils by both the Roman Catholic church and the Eastern Orthodox church but the next fourteen councils are considered ecumenical only by the Roman Catholic church
(adj) of worldwide scope or applicability; ; - Christopher Morley, Syn. ecumenical, universal, general, world-wide, worldwide, oecumenical, Example:an issue of cosmopolitan import; the shrewdest political and ecumenical comment of our time; universal experience
(adj) concerned with promoting unity among churches or religions, Syn. ecumenical, oecumenical, oecumenic, Example:ecumenical thinking; ecumenical activities; the ecumenical movement
(n) (Christianity) the doctrine of the ecumenical movement that promotes cooperation and better understanding among different religious denominations: aimed at universal Christian unity, Syn. ecumenicalism, ecumenicism