priory

[ prahy-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural pri·o·ries.

1. a religious house governed by a prior or prioress, often dependent upon an abbey.

priory

/ ˈpraɪərɪ /

noun

1. a religious house governed by a prior, sometimes being subordinate to an abbey

Word History and Origins

Origin of priory¹

1250–1300; Middle English priorie < Medieval Latin priōria. See prior ², -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of priory¹

C13: from Medieval Latin priōria; see prior ²

Example Sentences

Fitzwalter revealed his true identity and gave his land to the priory on the condition a flitch should be awarded to any couple who could claim they were similarly devoted.

From BBC

Mottisfont, halfway between Salisbury and Winchester, is now a grand 18th Century house, built on the priory site, with a popular rose garden and grounds.

From BBC

Throughout the show, Downey weaves in reflections on his life, family and shifting priories in recent years, specifically as they relate to the future of the planet.

From Seattle Times

The prioress of the order had taken her to meet the friar Robert, who was visiting from the Carmelite priory in Oxford, to see if he wanted anything to eat.

From BBC

Site supervisor Andrew Shobbrook, from Dyfed Archaeological Trust, described the priory as a significant complex of buildings with dormitories, scriptoriums - rooms devoted to writing and manuscripts - stables and a hospital.

From BBC

Related Words

• nunnery