coenobite

[see-nuh-bahyt, sen-uh-]

noun

1. cenobite.

coenobite

/ ˈsiːnəʊˌbaɪt, ˌsiːnəʊˈbɪtɪk /

noun

1. a member of a religious order following a communal rule of life Compare eremite

Other Word Forms

• coenobitic adjective
• coenobitical adjective
• coenobitism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of coenobite¹

C17: from Old French or ecclesiastical Latin, from Greek koinobion convent, from koinos common + bios life

Example Sentences

It is significant that Christian monasticism and the coenobite life began in Egypt, where, as we learn from papyri found in recent years, great monasteries of Serapis existed long before our era.

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For a time he tasted the life of the anchorite and the coenobite.

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As it was; a customary show of respect to a dearly-departed coenobite, a pure woman was chosen to be entombed with the body.

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O Coenobite, O coenobite, Monastical gregarian, You differ from the anchorite, That solitudinarian: With vollied prayers you wound Old Nick; With dropping shots he makes him sick.

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The number of young men here who, like the coenobites of old, lead the purely contemplative life is enormous.

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