Definition of "conclave" in English

noun

1. The set of apartments in which cardinals are secluded while the process to elect a pope takes place.

2. A group of cardinals assembled to elect a new pope.

3. A closed assembly at which cardinals elect a pope.

   • in conclave
   • papal conclave

4. (obsolete) A private chamber or room.

verb

1. To participate in a closed, private, or secret meeting.

2. (Roman Catholicism) Of a cardinal: to attend a closed assembly to elect a pope.