/keuhn ven"sheuhn/ , n.
1. a meeting or formal assembly, as of representatives or delegates, for discussion of and action on particular matters of common concern.
2. U.S. Politics. a representative party assembly to nominate candidates and adopt platforms and party rules.
3. an agreement, compact, or contract.
4. an international agreement, esp. one dealing with a specific matter, as postal service or copyright.
5. a rule, method, or practice established by usage; custom: the convention of showing north at the top of a map.
6. general agreement or consent; accepted usage, esp. as a standard of procedure.
7. conventionalism.
8. Bridge. any of a variety of established systems or methods of bidding or playing that allows partners to convey certain information about their hands.
[ 1375-1425; late ME convencio ( u ) n ( convention- (s. of conventio ) agreement, lit., a coming together. See CONVENE, -TION ]
Syn. 1. CONVENTION, ASSEMBLY, CONFERENCE, CONVOCATION name meetings for particular purposes. CONVENTION usually suggests a meeting of delegates representing political, church, social, or fraternal organizations. ASSEMBLY usually implies a meeting for a settled or customary purpose, as for discussion, legislation, or participation in a social function. CONFERENCE suggests a meeting for consultation and discussion about business or professional problems. CONVOCATION denotes a (church) assembly, the members of which have been summoned for a special purpose; chapel services at some colleges are called CONVOCATIONS. 3. pact, treaty.