parish
n. countable C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈpæɹɪʃ// UK //pˈæɹɪʃ// parish
n. a small area that has its own church and priest. It can also mean a local government area in some countries.
n. a small administrative district typically having its own church and a priest or pastor. In some jurisdictions, it functions as a unit of local civil government.
The local parish organizes a food drive every winter.
Members of the parish gathered at the community hall to discuss the upcoming renovations to the historic chapel.
While primarily an ecclesiastical division, the parish historically served as the fundamental unit of local administration, managing poor relief and road maintenance before the rise of modern municipal councils.
Usage
Often used with 'of' to specify the name or location, such as 'the parish of St. Jude'.