\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.]