congress

Definition

A coming together of two or more people; a meeting.

Etymology

From Latin congress(um), the past participle of congredior (“I go, come together”), itself from con- + gradior (“I go, step”). The verb is from the noun. Compare typologically coven, convent, convention, several steps omitting from con- + veniō, Russian сход (sxod), схо́дка (sxódka), akin to сходи́ться (sxodítʹsja), ходи́ть (xodítʹ). Also compare Czech sjezd, Russian съезд (sʺjezd), akin to съезжа́ться (sʺjezžátʹsja), е́здить (jézditʹ). Also compare conference.

Example Sentences

• "After some little repast, he went to see Democritus […]. The multitude stood gazing round about to see the congress."
• "the National Congress of American Indians"
• "Welsh ponies, I learn from a man who has had much experience with these animals, habitually produce erections and emissions in their stalls; they do not bring their hind quarters up during this process, and they close their eyes, which does not take place when they have congress with mares."