n. the practices of monks; the way of life, behavior, etc. characteristic of monks; monastic life
n. monasticism
n. a monastery
n. monks, considered as a group. (cf clergy, laity)
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. The life of monks; monastic life; monastic usage or customs; -- now usually applied by way of reproach.
n. A collective body of monks.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. Monasticism, or the practices of monks: generally opprobrious.
n. A monastery, or the inhabitants of a monastery.
n. The country or rural districts; also, in a collective sense, tramps or vagrants.
Word Usage
"Newbury, it appeared, had spent the preceding night in what Sir Wilfrid obstinately called a "monkery" -- _alias_ the house of an Anglican brotherhood or Community -- the Community of the Ascension, of which"