curia

cu·ria

noun \ˈkyu̇r-ē-ə, ˈku̇r-\

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

Definition of CURIA

1

a : a division of the ancient Roman people comprising several gentes of a tribe b : the place of assembly of one of these divisions

2

a : the court of a medieval king b : a court of justice

3

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

Origin of CURIA

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

First Known Use: 1600