con·ven·tion / kənˈvenchən/ • n. 1. a way in which something is usually done, esp. within a particular area or activity: the woman who overturned so many conventions of children's literature. ∎  behavior that is considered acceptable or polite to most members of a society: social conventions. ∎  Bridge an artificial bid by which a bidder tries to convey specific information about the hand to their partner.2. an agreement between countries covering particular matters, esp. one less formal than a treaty.3. a large meeting or conference, esp. of members of a political party or a particular profession: a convention of retail merchants. ∎  (in the U.S.) an assembly of the delegates of a political party to select candidates for office. ∎  an organized meeting of enthusiasts for a television program, movie, or literary genre: a Star Trek convention. ∎  a body set up by agreement to deal with a particular issue.

CONVENTION

An agreement or compact, particularly an international agreement, such as thegeneva convention. An accord between states or nations, which resembles a treaty: ordinarily applied to agreements prior to an execution of an official treaty or which serve as its foundation; or to international agreements for the regulation of international affairs of common interest not within the ambit of commercial transactions or politics, such as international postage. An agreement between states concerning finance, trade, or other matters considered less significant than those usually governed by a treaty. An assembly or meeting of representatives or members of legislative, political, or fraternal organizations.

A constitutional convention is an assembly of representatives or delegates of the people of a state or nation, convened for the purpose of framing, altering, or amending its constitution. Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides that a constitutional convention may be convoked on application of the legislatures of two-thirds of the states.

A judicial convention is an assembly of judges of the superior courts (courts of general jurisdiction), empowered in some states to meet during specified periods to adopt uniform rules of practice. The powers of the convention are restricted to making necessary rules that conform to the provisions of the relevant statute. Revision or abrogation of any rule of practice established by statute is prohibited.

A legislative convention is a congregation of representatives or delegates selected by the people for extraordinary and special legislative objectives, such as the framing or alteration of a state constitution.

A political convention is an assembly of delegates designated by a political party to nominate candidates for a pending election.

Convention

an assembly, especially a meeting of representatives of some profession, society, or religious political organization, 1552. See also congress.

Examples: convention of estates, 1651; of islands, 1651; of exquisite lineaments, 1592; for prayer, 1649.