ˈkänˌklāv, esp Brit sometimes -äŋˌ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, room or apartment that can be locked up, from com- + clavis key — more at clavicle
1. obsolete : a private chamber : closet
2.
a. : a private meeting : a closed or secret assembly ; especially : a meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals secluded continuously in a set of apartments while engaged in choosing a pope
b. : a meeting especially of a group with shared or specialized interests (as a fraternal society) : conference , convention , gathering
3.
a. : the body of cardinals especially when considered in respect to their electoral function
b. : any authoritative group exercising wide discretionary powers
secret party conclaves that pick the candidates behind the scenes