Franciscan

American  

[fran-sis-kuhn] / frænˈsɪs kən /

adjective

1. of or relating to St. Francis or the Franciscans.

---

noun

1. a member of the mendicant order founded by St. Francis in the 13th century.

Franciscan British  

/ frænˈsɪskən /

noun

1. 1. a member of any of several Christian religious orders of mendicant friars or nuns tracing their origins back to Saint Francis of Assisi; a Grey Friar

   2. ( as modifier )

      a Franciscan friar

---

Etymology

Origin of Franciscan

1585–95; < Medieval Latin Francisc ( us ) St. Francis of Assisi + -an

Example Sentences

The 68-year-old San Franciscan has helped put many Democratic candidates in office as one of the party’s biggest political donors in the past two decades, but has never held public office himself.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

It sparked debates up and down the Golden State as many people at the time still held a high regard for the Franciscan priest who was canonized in 2015.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

Trainer Nicky Henderson recorded his victory of the day when 9-2 favourite Jingko Blue finished in front of 50-1 shot Franciscan Rock in the Handicap Hurdle.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

St Francis, who died on October 3, 1226, founded the Franciscan order after renouncing his wealth and devoting his life to the poor.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Two years had done little to pacify the San Franciscan hostility for the automobile.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand