noun
conclave
KAHN-klayv/ˈkɑːnkleɪv/
A private meeting, especially of important people.
The cardinals gather in a closed room for a conclave.
Etymology
“With a key” points to a room that could be locked. The name passed from the enclosed meeting place to the cardinals assembled there to choose a pope, and then to private assemblies generally.
In context
Caught once more in the crossfire of his family's rivalries, Viserys demurred, insisting that the choice rested solely with the Citadel. In the end, the conclave of Archmaesters selected Orwyle
More examples
- Reporters wait outside while the diplomats meet in conclave.
- These annual conclaves bring together the country's top business leaders.
- The cardinals gather in conclave to choose a new pope.
Forms
conclave · conclaves
Similar words
- conference
- A meeting for discussion that need not be private.
- caucus
- Usually a political group's meeting to choose candidates or strategy.