资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.]