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