Pronunciation: [fɹˈa͡ɪ͡əɹi] (IPA) 
Friary is a word that refers to a place where friars live. It can also be spelled as "frary". The IPA phonetic transcription for friary is /ˈfraɪəri/. The "f" sound is pronounced like the "ph" in "phone", the "r" sound is rolled in some accents, the "a" sound is pronounced like the "i" in "pie", and the "y" sound is pronounced like the "ee" in "meet". The "i" sound in the middle is pronounced like the "eye" sound in "high".
A friary is a noun that describes a religious residence or dwelling for friars, the members of certain contemplative Christian religious orders. It can be considered a type of monastery or convent, typically associated with the mendicant friars, who live a life of poverty and dependence on charity for their sustenance. The word "friary" is derived from the Latin word "frater," meaning brother, emphasizing the fraternal nature of such communities.
Friaries often consist of a collection of small cells or rooms for individual friars, a common area for communal activities like prayer and meals, a chapel for worship, and other necessary facilities. They can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in towns and cities where the friars carry out their spiritual work or engage in social service.
Historically, friaries played a crucial role in the medieval period, as friars provided pastoral care, education, and social aid to communities. Their establishment was rooted in the principles of simplicity, humility, and inward reflection, contrasting with the larger, self-sustaining monastic communities of monks.
In contemporary times, the concept of a friary continues to exist, keeping the core values of the friar's vocation intact. They remain important centers of religious worship and the nurturing of spiritual life, supporting the mission and objectives of the friars in their commitment to service, compassion, and the pursuit of God's will.
• a monastery of friars
• Pert. to friars.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "friary" originates from the Middle English word "frere", which is derived from Old French "frere", meaning "brother". It is ultimately derived from Latin "frater", also meaning "brother". In medieval Europe, a friary was a religious house or residence occupied by members of certain mendicant orders, such as the Franciscans or Dominicans, who were known as friars. The term "friary" emerged in English during the 14th century to refer to these communities or their dwellings.
