[con.fer] vb con.ferred ; con.fer.ring [L conferre to bring together, fr. com- + ferre to carry--more at bear] vt (1570) 1: to bestow from or as if from a position of superiority "conferred an honorary degree on her" "knowing how to read was a gift conferred with manhood --Murray Kempton"
2: to give (as a property or characteristic) to someone or something "a reputation for power will ~ power --John Spanier" ~ vi: to compare views or take counsel: consult syn see give -- con.fer.ment n -- con.fer.ra.ble adj -- con.fer.ral n -- con.fer.rer n