conclave Hear it!

conclave Definition

con·clave (kän′klāv′)

noun

  1. R.C.Ch.
    1. the private meeting of the cardinals to elect a pope
    2. the cardinals collectively
  2. any private or secret meeting
  3. any large conference or convention

Etymology: ME & OFr < L, a room which may be locked < com-, with + clavis, a key: see close

conclave Synonyms

conclave

n.

conference, parley, meeting; see gathering.

conclave Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • cardinal: In Rome, there was recently a conclave of the cardinals to discuss the very acute problems that currently face the church.

Converse of object

  • hold: It's a historical record of the proceedings of the conclave held in MEK TO in the year... that would be... 1588.

Adjective modifier

  • secret: Again the photographer huddled under his drop cloth as if in secret conclave with someone or something he preferred no one should see.
  • solemn: The great men of the city met in solemn conclave to consider how the difficulty was to be met.
  • papal: The first vote by the papal conclave on Monday cannot come soon enough, if only to relieve the incessant speculation about frontrunners.
  • ministerial: This week the Italian presidency published its own compromise proposals for the Naples ministerial conclave.
  • next: Thus, he said, Vatican City, not just the Sistine Chapel, is considered the site of the next conclave.