Glossary
Abbot - the chief monk,the father of the community (abbess in a nunnery).
Almoner - looked after the poor who visited the abbey (giving alms).
Brother - all monks were addressed as brothers.
Bursar - in charge of financial accounts.
Cellarer - in charge of food and general provisions.
Chancellor - in charge of the library, and the copying by hand of books.
Cowl - hood
Crozier - ornamental shepherd's crook, carried by abbot (or bishop).
Girdle - rope belt, with attached crucifix.
Habit - the loose robe worn by all monks.
Infirmarian - in charge of medical care, particularly herbal medicine.
Insignia - general word for ceremonial clothing and objects.
Hospitaller - looked after the guesthouse - no visitor to the abbey
was denied hospitality.
Mitre - ceremonial hat worn by abbot (or bishop).
Novice - a beginner; someone who has recently joined a monastery.
Novice monks spent two or three years in training, before deciding
whether to take their final vows.
Precentor - in charge of music; the abbey choir-master.
Prior - assistant to the abbot, or chief of a small monastery
(prioress in a nunnery).
Sacrist - looked after the monastery's treasures, and vestments.
Tonsure - shaved hair-style, leaving a circle of hair (like a crown of thorns).
Vestments - ceremonial clothing worn sometimes during church services.
Daily Timetable |
Rules for Monks |
Glossary
Back to top
|
|
|
