curia

[ kyoor-ee-uh ]

noun

, plural cu·ri·ae [kyoor, -ee-ee].

1. one of the political subdivisions of each of the three tribes of ancient Rome.
2. the building in which such a division or group met, as for worship or public deliberation.
3. the senate house in ancient Rome.
4. the senate of an ancient Italian town.
5. (sometimes initial capital letter) Curia Romana.
6. the papal court.
7. the administrative aides of a bishop.

curia

/ ˈkjʊərɪə /

noun

1. sometimes capital the papal court and government of the Roman Catholic Church
2. in ancient Rome
   1. any of the ten subdivisions of the Latin, Sabine, or Etruscan tribes
   2. a meeting place of such a subdivision
   3. the senate house of Rome
   4. the senate of an Italian town under Roman administration
3. (in the Middle Ages) a court held in the king's name See also Curia Regis

Derived Forms

• ˈcurial, adjective

Other Words From

• curi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of curia¹

1590–1600; < Latin cūria, perhaps < *coviria, equivalent to co- co- + vir man + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of curia¹

C16: from Latin, from Old Latin coviria (unattested), from co- + vir man

Example Sentences

The Rev. James Anguiano, moderator of the Curia and vicar general of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, delivered a homily in Spanish and English.

From Los Angeles Times

Fearfully sticking to rules may give the appearance of avoiding problems but only ends up hurting the service that the Vatican Curia is called to give the church, he said.

From Seattle Times

He may have commanded one of the most influential empires in history, but his interests extended far beyond the marble walls of the Curia Julia: He was also a Stoic philosopher who pursued a virtuous life, one that promoted wisdom, justice, moderation, and courage.

From National Geographic

A Taxpayers' Union–Curia opinion poll in early September found that 58% of rural voters – those living in settlements of less than a 1,000 people -- intended to vote National or ACT.

From Reuters

A poll release Thursday by the Taxpayers’Union and Curia Market Research finds that the centre-right parties of National and ACT will have enough support to form a government.

From Reuters