congress

noun

1. 1

   A formal gathering or assembly of persons; a conference held to discuss or decide on a specific question.

2. 2

   A legislative body of a state, originally the bicameral legislature of the United States of America.

   Republicans have their own high stakes in November. Losing control of Congress, they say, could mean a highly politicized impeachment of their president.

3. 3

   An association, especially one consisting of other associations or representatives of interest groups.

   Near-synonyms: federation, confederation

   the National Congress of American Indians

4. 4

   datedCoitus: sexual intercourse.

   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.

   Not three weeks before this he was run out of Fort Smith Arkansas for having congress with a goat. Yes lady, that is what I said. Goat.

5. 5

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

   After some little repast, he went to see Democritus […]. The multitude stood gazing round about to see the congress.

6. 6

   rareA group of baboons.

   […] the council hall stank like a congress of baboons.

   2013, Dick Hrebik, Walter Goes to War—WWII, Rolling Meadows, IL: Windy City Publishers, Chapter 7, p. 133, Saw a congress of baboons of all sizes making their way to a mountaintop to spend the night on the rocks and trees there.

verb

1. 1

   To assemble together.

2. 2

   To meet in a congress.

Forms

plural

congresses

past tense

congressed

past participle

congressed

present participle

congressing

third person singular

congresses