From about the close of the 18th cent. chiefly applied to assemblies of an intellectual character, in connection with literature, art, or science.
A meeting, assembly, or council. In early use also: a reception room.
slang. Idle gossip or chatter, esp. characterized as typical of women (cf. hen, n.1 3a); (also) a meeting where this occurs. Cf. cackle, n. 3a.