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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