priory

Where does the word "priory" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin prior, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Priory’s story begins in Medieval Latin: prior meant “former, superior.” Comparative of an old word for 'before'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as priorie. A religious house governed by a prior. It reached English by 1300s as priory. Smaller than an abbey. Today, priory means a small monastery or nunnery.

1. Stage 1 · Medieval Latin · medieval prior "former, superior", comparative of an old word for 'before'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval priorie "priory", a religious house governed by a prior.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s priory "monastery", smaller than an abbey.