Conference \Con"fer*ence\, n. [F. conf['e]rence. See Confer.]

1. The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison. [Obs.]

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. [U. S.]

Conference room, a room for conference and prayer, and for the pastor's less formal addresses. [U. S.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)