A formal gathering or assembly of people, often for a special ceremony. In many schools and universities, it refers to a ceremony such as graduation.
From Latin *convocatio* 'a calling together', from *convocare* 'to call together', from *con-* 'together' and *vocare* 'to call'. It entered English through church and academic language.
Convocation is basically 'everyone, please gather now' in fancy Latin clothing. Universities use it for big ritual moments like graduations, where you are literally being 'called together' to be recognized. The same root appears in 'vocal' and 'voice'—all about calling and speaking.
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