consociation

noun7

1. •
   Associating, or coming together in a union; (countable) an instance of this.
2. •
   A confederation of Christian churches or organizations.
3. •
   (US) A voluntary, permanent council made up of representatives of neighbouring Congregational churches for mutual advice and co-operation in ecclesiastical matters; also, a meeting of pastors and delegates from churches thus united.

   • In Connecticut some of the Congregational churches are associated in consociations and the others in associations.
4. •
   A power-sharing arrangement over territory entered into by competing groups.
5. •
   Intimate companionship or fellowship; (countable) an instance of this.

   • She [the spirit of wisdom] glorifieth her nobilitie, hauing consociation with God: yea and the Lord of al hath loued her. — 1610
6. •
   A subdivision of an association, made up chiefly of organisms of a single species.
7. •
   (no longer used) An alliance; a confederation.