Conclave

The recent election of the Roman Catholic Pope brought the word 'conclave' onto print and the lips of newscasters and citizens. It has a curious history. Early papal election occasionally lasted for a very long time, forcing authorities to seclude the cardinals to "encourage" a speedier decision. Cardinals were fed by the villagers hosting the cardinals. After the death of
Clement IV in 1268, the cardinals were once again secluded: under lock and key, con-(with)-clave(key). After a period of deadlick, the hosting city of Viterbo, Italy, refused to send any supplies other than bread and water, as they were apparently abusing the town's resources: it was taking almost three years! After that, they soon came to a conclusion, electing Gregory X, who then instituted seclusion and a number of 'conclave' rules for the next elections: they were to recieve no pay, after three days of meeting they would recieve only one meal a day, and after five days only bread and water.
I wish this time they had taken a little longer. They might have come up with a different pope.