abbey
Article
Monastery canonically erected and independent, ruled by an abbot, if occupied by monks, and if by nuns, by an abbess. The community must number at least twelve religious. Principal parts of an abbey are
- almonry
- calefactory
- cellars for stores
- cells
- chapter-house
- choir
- cloister
- conference-room
- dormitory
- guest-house
- infirmary
- kitchen
- novitate
- oratory
- parlor or locutorium
- refectory
- workshops
The chief abbey buildings are constructed around a quadrangle; in the more usual English plan the church is on the northern side.
Monasteries of the Carthusians differ from those of other orders. Three sides of their quadrangular cloister are flanked by small three-room cottages occupied by individual monks. The church, refectory, and other buildings used in common enclose the fourth side.
Associated in Art with
- Blessed Gonzalo de Amarante
- Blessed Stilla of Abenberg
- Saint Caesarius of Arles
- Saint Equitius of Valeria
- Saint Hilda of Whitby
- Saint Meinulph
MLA Citation
- “abbey”. New Catholic Dictionary. CatholicSaints.Info. 15 November 2021. Web. 25 April 2024. <>