Definition of: collation

(kə·lā′shən) noun
1. A collating; comparison.
2. The collection and critical comparison of writings or the published result of such a comparison.
3. In bookbinding, the examination of the collected sheets of a book before binding, to detect errors in arrangement.
4. A lunch or light repast: originally confined to the light evening refection of monks; also, the light supper permitted in seasons of fast, such as Lent.
5. The presentation of a clergyman to a church living.
6. In civil law, the return to an estate of property advanced to an heir, with a view to a common distribution of the whole. [<OF collacion <L collatio, -onis <conferre. See COLLATE.]