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Definition of priory

priory

/ˈpraɪ.ə.ri/
pri · o · ry
Plural:priories
•
Adjective:priorial
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priory Lexical Profile

priory Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A Christian monastery or convent governed by a prior or prioress, often established as an independent house or as a smaller dependency subordinate to an abbey.

Example

"The medieval ruins of the old priory still stand quietly beside the river in the Yorkshire countryside."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for priory

Word Nuance & Usage

In Christian monastic hierarchy, a priory is governed by a prior or prioress and often starts as a subordinate branch of a larger abbey, which is governed by an abbot or abbess.

• Rhymes for priory

• Nearby Words

prioritization
prioritize
priority
priory
prism
prismatic
prison

Word Origin & Etymology

Entered Middle English from Anglo-French priourie and Medieval Latin prioria, derived from Latin prior ('superior' or 'elder'), denoting the monastic house overseen by a prior.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Priory. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/priory
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