Disconventicle

/ˌdɪskənˈventɪkəl/ noun

Definition

A gathering or assembly that lacks proper religious legitimacy or authority; an unauthorized religious meeting.

Etymology

From dis- (not) + conventicle (a small assembly for religious worship). The prefix negates the authority of the gathering.

Kelly Says

This word comes from 17th-century religious tensions when anyone meeting outside the official church could be accused of operating a disconventicle and face serious punishment.

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