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a meeting or formal assembly, as of representatives or delegates, for discussion of and action on particular matters of common concern.
U.S. Politics. a representative party assembly to nominate candidates and adopt platforms and party rules.
an agreement, compact, or contract.
an international agreement, especially one dealing with a specific matter, as postal service or copyright.
a rule, method, or practice established by usage; custom:
the convention of showing north at the top of a map.
general agreement or consent; accepted usage, especially as a standard of procedure.
.
Bridge. any of a variety of established systems or methods of bidding or playing that allows partners to convey certain information about their hands.
Contemporary Examples

For his part, FDR went into the Democratic Party convention refusing to declare his candidacy.
The Revolution of 1940: America’s Fight Over Entering World War II Marc Wortman June 22, 2013

At their convention this weekend, Sarah Palin and her fans bashed big banks—and the idea of regulating them.
The Tea Partiers’ Phony Populism Peter Beinart February 7, 2010

Howard Fineman, looking camera-ready as usual, wandered the convention hall looking for swag.
Tropical Storm Isaac Sidelines Media Elite at the Republican Convention Lauren Ashburn August 27, 2012

King reminisced about his convention and was astounded at how little bad-blood lingered.
The Bizarro World Of Iowa’s GOP Convention Ben Jacobs June 22, 2014

I got some negative feedback for my unenthralled response to Chris Christie’s convention speech.
RNC Diary: Ace Buzzkillington, Reporting David Frum August 28, 2012

Historical Examples

For, in the words of that member of the convention who did not like the guillotine, to kill is not to reply.
What is Property? P. J. Proudhon

In the twelfth month of 1792 a convention of reformers was held at Edinburgh.
The Works of Whittier, Volume VI (of VII) John Greenleaf Whittier

How long did the Philadelphia convention continue in session?
Hero Stories from American History Albert F. Blaisdell

He landed, fought, and won two battles, and signed the convention of Cintra.
Self-Help Samuel Smiles

We speak of nature and convention; they contrasted things that are by nature with things that are by law.
The Unity of Civilization Various

noun

a large formal assembly of a group with common interests, such as a political party or trade union
the persons attending such an assembly

(US, politics) an assembly of delegates of one party to select candidates for office
(diplomacy) an international agreement second only to a treaty in formality: a telecommunications convention
any agreement, compact, or contract
the most widely accepted or established view of what is thought to be proper behaviour, good taste, etc
an accepted rule, usage, etc: a convention used by printers
(bridge) Also called conventional. a bid or play not to be taken at its face value, which one’s partner can interpret according to a prearranged bidding system
noun

See National Convention
n.

early 15c., “agreement,” from Middle French convention and directly from Latin conventionem (nominative conventio) “meeting, assembly, covenant,” noun of action from past participle stem of convenire (see convene).