(Religion) Urspr. ein gläubiger Mann, der sich aus der weltl. Gemeinschaft zurückzog, um im Streben nach religiöser u. sittl. Vollkommenheit zur Selbstheiligung zu gelangen (Mönchtum); dann Angehöriger eines Mönchsordens; weibl.: Nonne.
ETYM OR. frere, French frčre brother, friar, from Latin frater brother. Related to Brother.
(Homonym: fryer).
A male religious of an order of mendicant preachers of the gospel; SYN. mendicant.
A monk of any order, but originally the title of members of the mendicant (begging) orders, the chief of which were the Franciscans or Minors (Grey Friars), the Dominicans or Preachers (Black Friars), the Carmelites (White Friars), and Augustinians (Austin Friars).
ETYM as. munuc, munec, munc, Latin monachus, Greek, from monos alone. Related to Monachism.
A male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work; SYN. monastic.
Man belonging to a religious order under the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and living under a particular rule; see monasticism.