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Friary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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friary

[หˆfraษช.ษ™.ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

religious building

A friary is a residence for members of a religious order, particularly those who adhere to the principles of the mendicant orders like the Franciscans or Dominicans. These buildings often serve as places of community living, prayer, and work.

Synonyms

abbey, convent, monastery.

Examples of usage

  • The old friary was a tranquil place for meditation.
  • He visited the friary to learn about the Franciscan lifestyle.
  • The friary was located on the outskirts of the town, surrounded by gardens.
  • She volunteered at the local friary to help with their charitable activities.

Translations

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Origin of 'friary'

The term 'friary' originates from the Middle English word 'frer', which means 'brother'. This, in turn, derives from the Old French 'frรจre', from the Latin 'frater', meaning 'brother'. This etymology reflects the communal aspect of friaries, as they are often inhabited by brothers of a religious order. The establishment of friaries became prominent in the medieval period with the rise of mendicant orders like the Franciscans (founded in 1209) and the Dominicans (founded in 1216), who emphasized living a life of poverty and preaching. Friaries served as both living quarters and sites for spiritual work, education, and community service. As a result, friaries played a significant role in the expansion of the Christian faith throughout Europe and beyond during the Middle Ages. The architectural style of many friaries blends elements of Gothic and Romanesque designs, reflecting the cultural influences of their time.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,787, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.