Etymology Map
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Priory

3 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means a small monastery or nunnery

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

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

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.