curia

noun cu·ria \ˈkyu̇r-ē-ə, ˈku̇r-\

plural cu·ri·ae \ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌē, ˈku̇r-ē-ˌī\

Definition of CURIA

a : a division of the ancient Roman people comprising several gentes of a tribe

b : the place of assembly of one of these divisions

a : the court of a medieval king

b : a court of justice

often capitalized : the body of congregations, tribunals, and offices through which the pope governs the Roman Catholic Church

— cu·ri·al \ˈkyu̇r-ē-əl, ˈku̇r-\ adjective

Latin, perhaps from co- + vir man — more at virile

First Known Use: 1600

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