Trappist

[trap-ist]

noun

Roman Catholic Church. a member of a branch of the Cistercian order, observing the austere reformed rule established at La Trappe in 1664.

adjective

of or relating to the Trappists.

Origin of Trappist

First recorded in 1805–15, Trappist is from the French word trappiste, based on the name of the monastery. See La Trappe, -ist

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

Examples from the Web for trappists

Historical Examples of trappists

Dost thou then hold with the Trappists that meat is an evil?
Dreamers of the Ghetto
I. Zangwill
Trappists bowed respectfully as they entered the court yard.
En Route
J.-K. (Joris-Karl) Huysmans
"I wonder how Trappists enjoy their meals," I finally remarked.
A Top-Floor Idyl
George van Schaick
The Trappists have a book of gestures, and are often allowed to converse by signs.
The Garden Of Allah
Robert Hichens
How I should like him to lay his next scene in a community of Trappists!
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 159, July 28th, 1920
Various

British Dictionary definitions for trappists

Trappist

noun

a member of a branch of the Cistercian order of Christian monks, the Reformed Cistercians of the Strict Observance which originated at La Trappe in France in 1664. They are noted for their rule of silence
(as modifier)a Trappist monk

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

Word Origin and History for trappists

Trappist

1814, from French trappiste, Cistercian monk of reformed order established 1664 by abbot De Rancé of La Trappe in Normandy.

trappists in Culture

Trappists

A strict order of monks in the Roman Catholic Church.

Note

Until recent years, Trappists took a vow of silence, under which they were rarely allowed to speak to one another. They were allowed to speak only during worship, to their superiors, and to guests at their monasteries.