areopagus, n.Definitions

The Areopagus (n.) was ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠assigned to guard the laws and ended up running the state: a council made of ex-magistrates is a magistracy for life.