CONVENTICLE

A private a embly or meeting for the exercise of religion. The word was first an appellation of reproach to the religious a emblies of Wyciiffe in the reigns of Edward III. and Richard II., and was afterwards applied to a meeting of di enters from the established church. As this word in strict propriety denotes an unlawful a embly, it cannot be justly applied to the · a embling of persons in places of worship licensed according to the requisitions of law. Wharton. [s. 272]