conference

n. [ F. conférence. See Confer. ] 1. The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Helps and furtherances which . . . the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford. Hocker. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nor with such free and friendly conference
As he hath used of old. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of opinions. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A meeting of the two branches of a legislature, by their committees, to adjust between them. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Methodist Church) A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. A voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district; the district in which such churches are. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]