a diminutive of convent; denoting, properly, a cabal, or secret assembly, of a part of the monks of a convent, to make a brigade or party in the election of an abbot. From the ill use of these assemblies, the word is come into disrepute; and now stands for any mischievous, factious, or irregular assembly. T. Doucet observes, the occidentals always esteemed the fifth general council an unlawful conventicle.

The term conventicle is said, by some, to have been first applied in England to the schools of Wickliff, and has been since used to signify the religious assemblies of all in that country who do not conform to the established doctrines and worship of the church of England.

By 22 Car. II. cap. 1. it is enacted, That if any persons of the age of 16 years, subjects of this kingdom, shall be present at any conventicle, where there are five or more assembled, they shall be fined 5s. for the first offence, and 10s. for the second; and persons preaching incur a penalty of 20l. Also suffering a meeting to be held in a house, &c. is liable to 20l. penalty. Justices of peace have power to enter such houses, and seize persons assembled, &c. And if they neglect their duty, they shall forfeit 100l. And if any constable, &c. know of such meetings, and do not inform a justice of peace, or chief magistrate, &c. he shall forfeit 5l. But the 1st W. and M. cap. 18. ordains, that protestant dissenters shall be exempt from penalties: though, if they meet in a house with the doors locked, barred, or bolted, such dissenters shall have no benefit from 1 W. and M. Officers of the government, &c. present at any conventicle, at which there shall be ten persons, if the royal family be not prayed for in express words, shall forfeit 40l. and be disabled (Stat. 10 Anne, cap. 2.)