Cŏn'fer-ence1, n.
n. [Fr. conférence, Sp. conferencia, It. conferenza, L. Lat. conferentia. See supra.]
Sense 1. The examination of things in the way of comparison. [Obs.]
Helps and furtherances which scriptures, councils, laws, and the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford. Hooker.
Sense 2. The act of conversing seriously; formal consultation; earnest conversation; interchange of views.
Not with such free and friendly conference As he hath used of old. Shak.
Sense 3. A meeting for consultation, discussion, or instruction; an interview.
Sense 4. A meeting of the two branches of a legislature, by their committees, to adjust differences respecting bills, &c.
Sense 5. (Methodist Church.) A stated meeting of preachers for the purpose of transacting business.
Conference meeting, a meeting usually conducted by laymen for conference and prayer. [U. S.]