How Do You Spell BEGUINS?
Pronunciation: [bɪɡwˈɪnz] (IPA) 
Correct spelling for the English word "beguins" is [bɪɡwˈɪnz], [bɪɡwˈɪnz], [b_ɪ_ɡ_w_ˈɪ_n_z] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Pronunciation: [bɪɡwˈɪnz] (IPA)
Correct spelling for the English word "beguins" is [bɪɡwˈɪnz], [bɪɡwˈɪnz], [b_ɪ_ɡ_w_ˈɪ_n_z] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Beguins refers to a community of lay religious women who were active in the Low Countries, particularly Belgium and the Netherlands, during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. The term "beguins" is derived from the Middle Dutch word "beghine", which means "one who lives apart". These women chose to live a semi-religious lifestyle that was distinct from the traditional role of nuns in religious orders.
Beguins were typically unmarried or widowed women who lived together in religious communities known as beguinages. They committed themselves to a life of prayer, contemplation, and charitable work, without taking formal vows of religious profession. This allowed them to maintain their personal property and enjoy a degree of freedom not usually available to nuns in convents.
Beguins lived a simple and austere existence, supporting themselves through various domestic crafts, such as weaving, lacework, and brewing. They were dedicated to serving the poor and the sick, often running hospitals, orphanages, and schools. Despite their religious commitments, beguins were not subject to the direct authority of the Church or any specific religious order.
The beguinages created a unique and alternative form of religious life for women during a period when few options were available to them outside of marriage or the traditional religious institutions. The beguins were admired for their devotion, piety, and contributions to their local communities. While the beguinages declined in numbers during the modern era, some continue to exist as historical and cultural sites.
A sect of religious women in Germany who devote themselves to works of piety and charity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "beguins" has its etymology in medieval Europe. It originated from the Dutch word "beghine", which in turn came from the Middle Dutch "begga" meaning "to request" or "to beg". The term "beghine" referred to a member of a lay sisterhood in the Low Countries during the 13th century. These sisterhoods, known as beguinages, were religious communities of women who lived together in a semi-monastic way but did not take formal religious vows. The term "beghine" eventually evolved into "beguin" in French and "begine" in German. Over time, the word "beguins" became the English plural form of "beguin", referring to the members of these sisterhoods.
