Convoke, v. t. [imp. & p.p. Convoked; p.pr. & vb.n. Convoking.]
Etymology: [L. convocare: cf. F. convoquer. See Convocate.]
To call together; to summon to meet; to assemble by summons. There remained no resource but the dreadful one of convoking a parliament. palfrey.
Syn. -- To summon; assemble; convene. See Call.
Shades of meaning
A convention is called by some officer or officers, as by its president, its executive committee, or some eminent leaders; the delegates are assembled or convened in a certain place, at a certain hour. Convoke implies an organized body and a superior authority; assemble and convene express more independent action; Parliament is convoked; Congress assembles. Troops are mustered; witnesses and jurymen are summoned.