v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Conferred p. pr. & vb. n. Conferring. ] [ L. conferre to bring together, contribute, consult; con- + ferre to bear: cf. F. conférer. See 1st Bear. ] 1. To bring together for comparison; to compare. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

If we confer these observations with others of the like nature, we may find cause to rectify the general opinion. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To grant as a possession; to bestow. [ 1913 Webster ]

The public marks of honor and reward
Conferred upon me. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To contribute; to conduce. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The closeness and compactness of the parts resting together doth much confer to the strength of the union. Glanvill. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To have discourse; to consult; to compare views; to deliberate. [ 1913 Webster ]

Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered. Acts xxv. 12. [ 1913 Webster ]

You shall hear us confer of this. Shak.

Syn. -- To counsel; advise; discourse; converse. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. Referee. ] 1. One who is conferred with, or who takes part in a conference; as, the conferees on the part of the Senate. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One upon whom something is conferred. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. conférence. See Confer. ] 1. The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Helps and furtherances which . . . the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford. Hocker. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nor with such free and friendly conference
As he hath used of old. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of opinions. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A meeting of the two branches of a legislature, by their committees, to adjust between them. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Methodist Church) A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. A voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district; the district in which such churches are. [ 1913 Webster ]

Conference meeting, a meeting for conference. Specifically, a meeting conducted (usually) by laymen, for conference and prayer. [ U. S. ] --
Conference room, a room for conference and prayer, and for the pastor's less formal addresses. [ U. S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Relating to conference. [ R. ] Clarke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. the act of conferring an honor or presenting a gift. Same as conferral.
Syn. -- bestowal, conferral. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

pos>a. Capable of being conferred. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. the act of conferring an honor or presenting a gift.
Syn. -- bestowal, conferment. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

adj. given formally or officially.
Syn. -- bestowed, presented. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. Same as Conferee. [ 1913 Webster ]