conclave
English
/ˈkɒn.kleɪv/, /ˈkɑn.kleɪv/
noun
Definitions
- The set of apartments within which the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church are continuously secluded while engaged in choosing a pope.
- The group of Roman Catholic cardinals locked in a conclave until they elect a new pope; the body of cardinals.
- A private meeting; a close or secret assembly.
Etymology
Borrowed from French conclave derived from Latin conclave (room that may be locked up).
Origin
Latin
conclave
Gloss
room that may be locked up