n.1 the process of congregating; collection into a crowd or mass.
2 a crowd or mass gathered together.
3 a a body assembled for religious worship. b a body of persons regularly attending a particular church etc. c RC Ch. a body of persons obeying a common religious rule. d RC Ch. any of several permanent committees of the Roman Catholic College of Cardinals.
4 (Congregation) Brit. (in some universities) a general assembly of resident senior members.
Etymology: ME f. OF congregation or L congregatio (as congregate)