Con"fer*ence (?), n. [F. confÚrence. See Confer.] 1. The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison. [Obs.]
Helps and furtherances which . . . the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford.
Hocker.
2. The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views.
Nor with such free and friendly conference
As he hath used of old.
Shak.