[con.ven.tion] n [ME, fr. MF or L; MF, fr. L convention-, conventio, fr. convenire] (15c) 1 a: agreement, contract b: an agreement between states for regulation of matters affecting all of them c: a compact between opposing commanders esp. concerning prisoner exchange or armistice d: a general agreement about basic principles or procedures; also: a principle or procedure accepted as true or correct by convention
2. a: the summoning or convening of an assembly b: an assembly of persons met for a common purpose; esp: a meeting of the delegates of a political party for the purpose of formulating a platform and selecting candidates for office c: the usu. state or national organization of a religious denomination 3 a: usage or custom esp. in social matters b: a rule of conduct or behavior c: a practice in bidding or playing that conveys information between partners in a card game (as bridge) d: an established technique, practice, or device (as in literature or the theater)