monkhood

A young man takes his vows and enters monkhood.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state or condition of being a monk: "monkhood" refers to the status, life, or vocation of a monk, a male member of a religious order who lives under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
   • Monks collectively: "monkhood" can also denote a group or community of monks considered as a whole.

Usage Examples

• The state or condition of being a monk:

  • He embraced monkhood after years of spiritual searching. (He accepted the life and vows of a monk.)
  • Monkhood demands a life of simplicity and prayer. (The status of being a monk requires a simple, devout lifestyle.)

• Monks collectively:

  • The monkhood of the abbey gathered for evening vespers. (All the monks living in that abbey assembled for a religious service.)
  • Throughout history, the monkhood has preserved many ancient texts. (Monks as a group have maintained old manuscripts.)

Advanced Usage

• "to enter monkhood": to begin the life of a monk, typically by taking vows.

  • He entered monkhood at the age of twenty. (He started living as a monk at twenty.)

• "the rigors of monkhood": the strict disciplines and hardships associated with being a monk.

  • The rigors of monkhood include fasting, silence, and manual labor. (The difficult practices of a monk’s life include not eating much, staying quiet, and working physically.)

Variants and Related Words

• Monk (n): a male member of a religious community who lives under vows.

  • The monk spent hours in meditation. (The religious man devoted time to silent contemplation.)

• Monastic (adj): relating to monks, nuns, or life in a religious community.

  • He adopted a monastic lifestyle, living simply and alone. (He lived like a monk, with few possessions and solitude.)

• Monastery (n): a building or community where monks live.

  • The monastery was built in the mountains. (The monks’ home was constructed in a high, remote area.)

Synonyms

• Monasticism: the system or practice of living as a monk.

  • Monasticism has been a part of many religious traditions. (The way of life of monks exists in several faiths.)

• Religious life: a life dedicated to spiritual practice, often in a community.

  • She chose religious life over a secular career. (She decided to become a nun or monk rather than work in the world.)

Related Idioms

• Take the cowl: to become a monk (the cowl is a hooded garment worn by monks).

  • He took the cowl at the age of thirty. (He became a monk at thirty.)

• Wear the habit: to be a monk (the habit is the distinctive clothing of a religious order).

  • After years of training, he finally wore the habit. (He officially became a monk.)