browse words by letter
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
more about abbeys
abbeys |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Abbey \Ab"bey\ ([a^]b"b[y^]), n.; pl {Abbeys} (-b[i^]z). [OF. aba["i]e, abba["i]e, F. abbaye L. abbatia, fr abbas abbot. See {Abbot}.] 1. A monastery or society of persons of either sex, secluded from the world and devoted to religion and celibacy; also the monastic building or buildings. Note: The men are called monks, and governed by an abbot; the women are called nuns, and governed by an abbess. 2. The church of a monastery. Note: In London, the Abbey means Westminster Abbey, and in Scotland, the precincts of the Abbey of Holyrood. The name is also retained for a private residence on the site of an abbey; as Newstead Abbey, the residence of Lord Byron. Syn: Monastery; convent; nunnery; priory; cloister. See {Cloister}.
more about abbeys