(adj) concerned with promoting unity among churches or religions, Syn. ecumenical, oecumenical, oecumenic, Example:ecumenical thinking; ecumenical activities; the ecumenical movement
(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
{ } 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 ]