8 May 2019
cloister
[kloi-ster]
noun
a covered walk, especially in a religious institution, having an open arcade or colonnade usually opening onto a courtyard.
a courtyard, especially in a religious institution, bordered with such walks.
a place of religious seclusion, as a monastery or convent.
any quiet, secluded place.
life in a monastery or convent.
verb (used with object)
to confine in a monastery or convent.
to confine in retirement; seclude.
to furnish with a cloister or covered walk.
to convert into a monastery or convent.
Origin of cloister
1250–1300; Middle English cloistre; Anglo-French, Old French, blend of cloison partition (see cloisonné) and clostre (< Latin claustrum barrier (Late Latin: enclosed place); see claustrum)
Related forms
clois·ter·less, adjective
clois·ter·like, adjective
Synonyms for cloister
3. abbey, priory.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for cloister
nunnery, convent, hermitage, monastery, abbey, cell, sanctuary, house, order, retreat, priory, friary, lamasery, priorate
Examples from the Web for
Historical Examples of cloister
For five years Angelique lived and grew there, as if in a cloister, far away from the world.
The Dream
Emile Zola
But, to say he turned his eyes upon the cloister keys, is a mere figure of speech.
The Channings
Mrs. Henry Wood
The convent-bell struck midnight, and there was a foot-fall in the cloister.
Graham’s Magazine Vol. XXXII No. 2. February 1848
Various
This enclosed, quiet residence vaguely recalled the cloister.
Therese Raquin
Emile Zola
Here they may have supported the wooden roof of a cloister or porch.
Byzantine Churches in Constantinople
Alexander Van Millingen
Today’s quote
Happiness is an attitude of mind, born of the simple determination to be happy under all outward circumstances.
– J. Donald Walters
On this day
8 May 1911 – birthday of Robert Johnson. American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter. Legend has it that Johnson met the devil at a crossroads and sold his soul in return for fame and fortune. One of the first musicians of the 20th century to join the 27 club. Died 16 August 1938.
8 May 1945 – VE day. Victory in Europe – the day that Nazi Germany formally surrendered in World War II.