from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Consociation \Con*so`ci*a"tion\, n. [L. consociatio.]
1. Intimate union; fellowship; alliance; companionship;
confederation; association; intimacy.
[1913 Webster]
A friendly consociation with your kindred elements.
--Warburton.
[1913 Webster]
2. A voluntary and permanent council or union of neighboring
Congregational churches, for mutual advice and cooperation
in ecclesiastical matters; a meeting of pastors and
delegates from churches thus united.
[1913 Webster]
Note: In Connecticut some of the Congregational churhes are
associated in consociations and the others in
conferences.
[1913 Webster]