a society that was started in 1901 to encourage the study of language, literature, history, economics etc. Most of its members are university teachers who have done important work in their subjects. There is a similar society for people working in scientific fields, called the Royal Society
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
Dictionary pictures of the day
Do you know what each of these is called?
Click on any of the pictures above to find out what it is called.