mag·is·te·ri·um 
(măj′ĭ-stîrē-əm)
(măj′ĭ-stîrē-əm)n.
1. Roman Catholic Church The authority to teach religious doctrine.
2. A body of people having doctrinal authority in a church.
[Latin, the office of a teacher or other person in authority, from magister, master; see MAGISTERIAL.]