monkery

[muhng-kuh-ree]

noun, plural monk·er·ies. Disparaging.

the mode of life, behavior, etc., of monks; monastic life.

a monastery.

monkeries, the practices, beliefs, etc., of monks.

Nearby words

Origin of monkery

First recorded in 1530–40; monk + -ery

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for monkery

But the nearer the reformer approached eternity, the greater was his horror of monkery.
History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Volume V|J. H. Merle d'Aubigné
From this false standard proceeded at length the celibacy of the clergy and monkery with all their attendant evils.
The Last Reformation|F. G. [Frederick George] Smith
Thus in the early days the sect defied their Prophet's condemnation of monkery by building an abode for members of the order.
Jallu'd-dn Rm|Frederick Hadland Davis
Luther later declared that "if ever a monk got to heaven through monkery," he was assuredly among those who merited salvation.
An Introduction to the History of Western Europe|James Harvey Robinson

"And still you haven't answered my question about your monkery," Guy persisted.
Guy and Pauline|Compton Mackenzie

British Dictionary definitions for monkery

monkery

noun plural -eries derogatory

monastic life or practices

a monastery or monks collectively

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012