Definition

Noun: 1. A religious house or community: A priory is a monastery or convent, typically smaller or subordinate to an abbey, governed by a prior (for men) or a prioress (for women). Its members live under religious vows.

Usage

The word "priory" is used to refer to the physical buildings and the religious community residing there. It is most commonly associated with Christian monastic orders, such as the Benedictines or Dominicans. * It functions as a common noun and is often part of a proper name for a specific location (e.g., Lewes Priory). * It is used in historical, religious, and architectural contexts.

Examples

• The ruins of the medieval priory are a popular tourist attraction.
• She entered the priory to dedicate her life to prayer and service.
• The priory was founded in the 12th century and was home to a community of Augustinian canons.

Advanced Usage

• Dependent/Alién Priory: In medieval times, a priory that was subordinate to a foreign abbey, often sending a portion of its revenue overseas. This type was frequently dissolved or made independent by national rulers.
• Cluniac Priory: A priory that was part of the Cluniac order, which emphasized a centralized structure where all priories were dependent on the Abbey of Cluny.

Variants and Related Words

• Prior (noun): The male head or superior of a priory.
• Prioress (noun): The female head or superior of a priory.
• Monastery (noun): A broader term for a community of monks. An abbey is a monastery governed by an abbot or abbess, often larger than a priory.
• Convent (noun): A community of nuns. A priory can be a convent if governed by a prioress.

Synonyms

• Monastery
• Convent
• Cloister
• Religious house

Idioms and Phrases

• To enter a priory: To join a religious community living in a priory, taking vows.
  • After a profound spiritual experience, he decided to enter a priory.

Noun

1. religious residence in a monastery governed by a prior or a convent governed by a prioress