consociation

con·so·ci·a·tion  (kn-ssh-shn)

n.

1. Friendly or cooperative association, as between groups or organizations.

2. Ecology A subdivision of an association having one dominant species of plant.

3. A political arrangement in which various groups, such as ethnic or racial populations within a country or region, share power according to an agreed formula or mechanism.

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con·soci·ation·al adj.

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Consociation a confederation of churches or religious bodies; an alliance or confederation.

Examples: consociation of acts of providence, 1645; of churches, 1646; of many of the worst acts, 1649; of good spirits, 1656; of tribes for plunder or defence, 1804.