abbey

¹

[ab-ee]

noun

plural

abbeys 

1. a monastery under the supervision of an abbot or a convent under the supervision of an abbess.

2. the group of buildings comprising such a monastery or convent.

3. the church of an abbey.

Abbey

²

[ab-ee]

noun

1. Edward, 1927–89, U.S. novelist and nature writer.

2. Edwin Austin, 1852–1911, U.S. painter and illustrator.

3. a first name, form of Abigail.

abbey

/ ˈæbɪ /

noun

1. a building inhabited by a community of monks or nuns governed by an abbot or abbess

2. a church built in conjunction with such a building

3. such a community of monks or nuns

Word History and Origins

Origin of abbey¹

1200–50; Middle English abbey ( e ) < Old French abeie < Late Latin abbātia abbacy

Word History and Origins

Origin of abbey¹

C13: via Old French abeie from Church Latin abbātia _abbacy

Example Sentences

In Umberto Eco’s novel “The Name of the Rose,” a medieval abbey’s library that houses the lost second book of Aristotle’s “Poetics” burns to the ground.

From Salon

Dr Trowles said the Bible was originally chained to the bookshelves of the abbey library so it could not be removed.

From BBC

After the service, members of the Royal Family walked to lay bouquets at the Innocent Victims' Memorial - which commemorates all those who have suffered death, torture and oppression throughout the world - outside the abbey.

From BBC

Protesters from the anti-monarchy group Republic held up placards reading "not my King" and "down with the Crown" as they gathered outside the abbey ahead of the service.

From BBC

But legend has it that a secret tunnel runs from the abbey to Tattershall Castle, and that a man vanished while exploring it.

From BBC

Related Words

• nunnery