Dictionary
1cloister
noun clois·ter \ˈklȯi-stər\
: a place where monks or nuns live : a monastery or convent
: a covered path or hall with arches that is on the side of a building (such as a monastery or church) and that has one open side usually facing a courtyard
Full Definition of CLOISTER
1
a : a monastic establishment b : an area within a monastery or convent to which the religious are normally restricted c : monastic life d : a place or state of seclusion
2
: a covered passage on the side of a court usually having one side walled and the other an open arcade or colonnade
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Illustration of CLOISTER
Origin of CLOISTER
Middle English cloistre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin claustrum, from Latin, bar, bolt, from claudere to close — more at close
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Architecture Terms
2cloister
verb
clois·teredclois·ter·ing \-st(ə-)riŋ\
Definition of CLOISTER
transitive verb
1
: to seclude from the world in or as if in a cloister <a scientist who cloisters herself in a laboratory>
2
: to surround with a cloister <cloistered gardens>
First Known Use of CLOISTER
1581
CLOISTER Defined for Kids
cloister
noun clois·ter \ˈklȯi-stər\
Definition of CLOISTER for Kids
2
: a covered passage with arches along or around the walls of a courtyard
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