Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Confer
Con-fer′
(kŏn-fẽr′)
, Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Conferred
(#)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Conferring
.] [L.
conferre
to bring together, contribute, consult; con-
+ ferre
to bear: cf. F. conférer
. See 1st Bear
.] 1.
To bring together for comparison; to compare.
[Obs.]
If we
confer
these observations with others of the like nature, we may find cause to rectify the general opinion. Boyle.
2.
To grant as a possession; to bestow.
The public marks of honor and reward
Conferred
upon me. Milton.
3.
To contribute; to conduce.
[Obs.]
The closeness and compactness of the parts resting together doth much
confer
to the strength of the union. Glanvill.
Con-fer′
,Verb.
I.
To have discourse; to consult; to compare views; to deliberate.
Festus, when he had
conferred
with the council, answered. Acts xxv. 12.
Syn. – To counsel; advise; discourse; converse.
Webster 1828 Edition
Confer
CONFER'
,Verb.
I.
Adonijah conferred with Joab and Abiathar. I Kings 1.
Festus conferred with the council. Acts 25.
CONFER'
,Verb.
T.
1.
To give, or bestow; followed by on.Coronation confers on the king no royal authority.
This word is particularly used to express the grant of favors, benefits and privileges to be enjoyed, or rights which are to be permanent; as, to confer on one the privileges of a citizen; to confer a title or an honor.
2.
To compare; to examine by comparison; literally, to bring together. [See Compare.]If we confer these observations with others of the like nature.
[This sense, though genuine, is now obsolete.]
3.
To contribute; to conduce to; that is, to bring to. The closeness of parts confers much to the strength of the union, or intransitively, confers to the strength of the union.