from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Conference \Con"fer*ence\, n. [F. conf['e]rence. See {Confer}.]
1. The act of comparing two or more things together;
comparison. [Obs.]
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Helps and furtherances which . . . the mutual
conference of all men's collections and observations
may afford. --Hocker.
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2. The act of consulting together formally; serious
conversation or discussion; interchange of views.
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Nor with such free and friendly conference
As he hath used of old. --Shak.
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3. A meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange
of opinions.
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4. A meeting of the two branches of a legislature, by their
committees, to adjust between them.
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5. (Methodist Church) A stated meeting of preachers and
others, invested with authority to take cognizance of
ecclesiastical matters.
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6. A voluntary association of Congregational churches of a
district; the district in which such churches are.
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{Conference meeting}, a meeting for conference. Specifically,
a meeting conducted (usually) by laymen, for conference
and prayer. [U. S.]
{Conference room}, a room for conference and prayer, and for
the pastor's less formal addresses. [U. S.]
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