any of various legislative or governing bodies, in particular
政府立法机关,尤指:
the smaller upper assembly in the US, US states, France, and other countries
(美国、美国各州、法国及其他国家的)参议院。
the state council of the ancient Roman republic and empire, which shared legislative power with the popular assemblies, administration with the magistrates, and judicial power with the knights
古罗马共和国(及罗马帝国)的元老院。
the governing body of a university or college
(大学或学院的)理事会,参议会。
"Middle English: from Old French