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.
[ ME f. OF congregation or L congregatio (as congregate) ]