Definitions for: Abbey

[n] a monastery ruled by an abbot
[n] a convent ruled by an abbess
[n] a church associated with a monastery or convent

Webster (1913) Definition: 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.

See Also: church, church building, convent, monastery

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