conclave
UK: ˈkɒŋkleɪv | US: ˈkɑːnkleɪv
n. 1. A private meeting or assembly, especially of cardinals to elect a pope.
n. 2. Any gathering conducted in strict privacy.
Derived from Latin conclave (literally "a room locked with a key"), combining con- (together) and clavis (key). Historically, cardinals were locked (cum clave, "with a key") in a secluded room during papal elections to ensure secrecy and focus. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to denote any confidential assembly.
The cardinals entered the conclave to choose the next pope.
The board held a conclave to discuss the sensitive merger.
Journalists waited outside as the political leaders debated in conclave.
The scientist’s conclave produced a groundbreaking research proposal.
Medieval conclaves often lasted weeks before reaching a decision.