Cistercium

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A historic monastery associated with the Cistercian order, emphasizing strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Benedict
2. A religious community known for its influence on medieval agriculture and architecture, originating in the 12th century
3. An important cultural site in Europe, representing monasticism and spiritual life, particularly during the Middle Ages

Etymology: Before it named a religious order, this Latin word was simply a place name: Cistercium, the Latin form of Cîteaux, a site in Burgundy in eastern France. The monastery there became the mother house of a reform movement that wanted monks to follow the Rule of Saint Benedict more strictly than many communities of the time, and the abbey's name gave the movement its name. The reformers' simplicity showed in their dress. They wore undyed wool rather than the black habits of other monks, which earned them the nickname the White Monks. The name of the abbey then spread to the order and to each house founded under its rule.

Synonyms: cistern, tank, reservoir, container