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beghard |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Beghard \Be*ghard"\ Beguard \Be*guard"\, n. [F. b['e]gard, b['e]guard; cf G. beghard, LL Beghardus Begihardus Begardus Prob. from the root of beguine + -ard or -hard. See {Beguine}.] (Eccl. Hist.) One of an association of religious laymen living in imitation of the Beguines. They arose in the thirteenth century, were afterward subjected to much persecution, and were suppressed by Innocent X. in 1650. Called also Beguins.
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