noun
beguine
A woman in a medieval lay religious community who took no permanent vows.
The beguine lives in a religious community without taking permanent vows.
Etymology
The French term names a woman belonging to this form of lay religious life. Its deeper origin is uncertain, so a connection with a particular founder should not be assumed.
More examples
- Unlike a nun, a beguine is free to leave her community.
- The beguines support themselves through their work.
- She joins the beguines for a life of prayer and service.
Forms
beguine · beguines
beguinage noun — A community or residence of beguines.
Similar words
- nun
- A woman bound by religious vows, often for life.