PRIORIES Meaning and
Definition
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Priories, in the context of religious institutions, refer to small monastic communities or houses governed by a prior or prioress. Derived from the Latin word "prior," meaning "superior" or "leader," priories are typically dependent on larger religious establishments, such as abbeys or monasteries. These institutions are primarily found within Christian traditions, including Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism.
Priories symbolize a step below abbeys, and unlike the latter, they may lack certain privileges or autonomy. Often, they serve as subsidiary chapters, carrying out specific functions or providing support to the main religious house. However, their internal administration, spiritual practices, and daily routines are comparable to those of abbeys. Typically, priories are inhabited by a relatively small number of religious individuals who live a communal life centered around prayer, contemplation, and service.
A distinctive feature of priories is their architectural design. They often comprise a central chapel surrounded by several residential buildings, dormitories, and other necessary structures. Some priories have historical or cultural significance, attracting visitors and pilgrims due to their architectural beauty, spiritual ambiance, or relics associated with revered saints.
In summary, priories are religious establishments that function as subordinate monastic communities under the guidance of a prior or prioress. They serve as support institutions for larger religious bodies while maintaining their own distinct communal lifestyle and spiritual practices.
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Etymology of PRIORIES
The word "priories" has Latin origins. It derives from the Latin word "prior", which means "superior" or "before". In medieval Christianity, a "prior" was the leader or head of a religious house, such as a monastery or a convent. The plural form "priories" refers to multiple religious houses or the collective group of priors.
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