n. [ L. conventiculum, dim. of conventus: cf. F. conventicule. See Convent, n. ] 1. A small assembly or gathering; esp., a secret assembly. [ 1913 Webster ]

They are commanded to abstain from all conventicles of men whatsoever. Ayliffe. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An assembly for religious worship; esp., such an assembly held privately, as in times of persecution, by Nonconformists or Dissenters in England, or by Covenanters in Scotland; -- often used opprobriously, as if those assembled were heretics or schismatics. [ 1913 Webster ]

The first Christians could never have had recourse to nocturnal or clandestine conventicles till driven to them by the violence of persecution. Hammond. [ 1913 Webster ]

A sort of men who . . . attend its [ the curch of England's ] service in the morning, and go with their wives to a conventicle in the afternoon. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who supports or frequents conventicles. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]