Convocation

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A formal assembly or gathering, especially of members of a university, college, or religious body
2. A formal gathering of individuals, often for academic or religious purposes, where specific matters are discussed or decisions are made
3. A ceremonial meeting or assembly, typically involving members from educational institutions or religious organizations, convened to discuss important issues or celebrate events

Etymology: The Latin root of "convocation" is "convocare," literally "to call together," built from "com-" (together) and "vocare" (to call). The same verb gave English "vocal," "vocation" and "advocate," all rooted in the idea of a voice or summons. A convocation is therefore, at its core, a group that has been called together by someone with the authority to summon it. The word reached English in Middle English as "convocacioun," having passed through Old French "convocation" from Latin "convocatio." Its earliest English sense was the act of calling people together, and the meaning of the assembly itself came later, from the sense of the body that was summoned rather than the summoning.

Synonyms: assembly, gathering, meeting

Antonyms: dispersal, separation