MONKERY

Etymology

Noun

monkery (countable and uncountable, plural monkeries)

(dated, often pejorative) The practices of monks; the way of life, behavior, etc. characteristic of monks; monastic life.

(dated, pejorative) Monasticism.

(dated, often, pejorative or humorous) A monastery.

(dated, collectively) Monks, considered as a group. (Compare clergy, laity.)

The close ties existing between the monkery and the aristocracy were evident in many cloisters. Superior Stefan, who was expelled from Pechera Monastery, immediately secured the support of many boyars who "gave him from their estates what he needed for himself and for other purposes."

Source: Wiktionary

Monk"er*y, n.; pl. Monkeries (.

1. The life of monks; monastic life; monastic usage or customs; -- now usually applied by way of reproach. Miters, and wretched dead mediæval monkeries. Carlyle.

2. A collective body of monks. [Obs.] Though he have a whole monkery to sing for him. Latimer.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition