Term
Beguines/Beghards
Semimonastic associations of laywomen (Beguines) and laymen (Beghards) in the 12th and 13th centuries, representing high medieval lay apostolic ferment.
Filed underChurch History
Definition
Semimonastic associations of laywomen and laymen, respectively, existing in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Beguine movement was a particularly representative example of high medieval lay 'apostolic' ferment.
Sources
- 1.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 99Original citation: Brauer, Jerald C., and B. A. Gerrish, eds. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971, 99.
Last revised August 14, 2026