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DictionaryfriarReligious brother
noun

friar

FRY-er/ˈfraɪər/

A man belonging to a Catholic religious order traditionally supported by charitable gifts.

A friar in a plain brown robe walks among the townspeople.

Catholic friar in plain brown robe with rope belt walks among townspeople.
Etymology
friarLatinbrother

The underlying meaning is “brother,” used as a religious designation. It became the name for members of mendicant orders such as the Franciscans and Dominicans.

In context

Libranima449:39
To a gray friar for confessing a criminal, four sols parisis.
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame - Hugo (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 2 of 2

More examples

  • The Franciscan friar serves meals at the neighborhood shelter.
  • Local families donate food to support the friars.
  • Not every friar is ordained as a priest.

Forms

friar · friars

friary noun — A religious house where friars live.

Similar words

monk
Typically belongs to a monastery rather than a mendicant order.
brother
A broader religious title, not limited to mendicant orders.