in ancient Greek states, a political assembly of citizens
2. Ecclesiastical
a.
the members of a church
b.
a church building
Word origin
L, assembly, in LL(Ec), assembly of Christians < Gr ekklēsia, assembly (in N.T., the church as a body of Christians) < ekklētos, summoned < ekkalein, to summon < ek-, out (see ex-2) + kalein, to call (see clamor)