Dictionary entry

Convent

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Con″vent (?), n. [L. conventus a meeting, LL. also, a convent. See Convene, v. i.] 1. A coming together; a meeting.

A usual ceremony at their convents or meetings.

B. Jonson.

2. An association or community of recluses devoted to a religious life; a body of monks or nuns.

One of our convent, and his confessor.

Shak.

3. A house occupied by a community of religious recluses; a monastery or nunnery.

One seldom finds in Italy a spot of ground more agreeable than ordinary that is not covered with a convent.

Addison.

Syn. — Nunnery; monastery; abbey. See Cloister.