A monastery or nunnery, generally of small size, dependent on some larger house. Now historical.

An institution founded for the living together of a number of ‘religious’ persons, monks, friars, nuns, etc.

A place of residence for a community living under religious vows, esp. the residence of a community of monks. Also: the members of such a community.

A conventual establishment.

In plural. A monastery chapel or church. Cf. friar, n. 2c. Obsolete. rare.

= cœnoby, n.

A habitation for one or more religious recluses, a hermitage; = reclusery, n. Also: a monastery or convent.

= reclusory, n.