Also 6 -venar, -or, 7–8 -veener. [f. CONVENE v. + -ER1.]
† 1. One who assembles along with others. Obs.
a. 1572. Knox, Hist. Ref., Wks. (1846), I. 304. Yf it shall happin in oure saidis conventionis any hard place of Scripture to be redd, of the which no proffeit arysith to the convenaris, that [etc.].
1625. Bp. Mountagu, App. Cæsar., 69. I do reverence the Conveners [at the Synod of Dort] for their places, worth, and learning. Ibid. (a. 1641), Acts & Mon. (1642), 510. Another Epiphanius … one of the Convenors at the second Councell of Nice.
† 2. One who enters into a mutual agreement.
1650. Elderfield, Tythes, 35. A mutual consent among the conveners, that such a thing shall be so or so.
3. One who convokes (a meeting, etc.).
1680. G. Hickes, Spirit of Popery, 35. The greatest Convener of the People to Conventicles, that was in all the Countrey.
1805. W. Taylor, in Ann. Rev., III. 244. This convocation was somewhat unbecomingly postponed … without the conveners having assigned any public reasons.
1870. Pall Mall G., 17 Oct., 10. Doubtless its conveners would be glad to make it [the ‘Church Congress’] more comprehensive if they could.
b. spec. One officially appointed to summon the meetings of a committee or other organized body, etc. Chiefly Sc.
1681. Lond. Gaz., No. 1649/3. All Deacons of Trades, and Deacons Conveeners in the said Burroughs. Ibid. (1708), No. 4426/10. The Dean of Guild, Deacon, Conveener, and the Community of the City of Glasgow.
1827. Steuart, Planter’s G. (1828), 523. Your Committee … cannot conclude this part of the subject better, than by an Extract of a Letter to their Convener.
1833. Act 3–4 Will. IV., c. 46 § 43. The convener, who shall preside at such committee, shall be entitled to a casting vote.
1886. Rep. Mitchell Libr. Glasgow, Committee,—Councillor X, Convener, Councillor Y, Sub-Convener.
attrib. 1864. Daily Tel., 31 Aug. The lord-provost and magistrates … the members of the town council and convenor court.
