The name of a petty ecclesiastical judicatory in Scotland. Each parish according to its extent is divided into several particular districts, every one of which has its own elder and deacons to oversee it. A consistory of the ministers, elders, and deacons of a parish form a kirk session. These meet once a week, the minister being their moderator, but without a negative voice. It regulates matters relative to public worship, elections, catechising, visitations, &c. It judges in matters of less scandal; but greater, as adultery, are left to the presbytery, and in all cases an appeal lies from it to the presbytery.
Kirk sessions have likewise the care of the poor, and poor's funds.
See PRESBYTERIANS.