[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

lateran \lat"eran\, n.
   the church and palace of st. john lateran, the church being
   the cathedral church of rome, and the highest in rank of all
   churches in the catholic world.
   1913 webster

   note: the name is said to have been derived from that of the
         laterani family, who possessed a palace on or near the
         spot where the church now stands. in this church
         several ecclesiastical councils, hence called lateran
         councils, have been held.
         1913 webster

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

lateran
     n : the site in rome containing the church of rome and the
         lateran palace

Lateran >> L Words
Lateran, definition of term: Lateran
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