Term
cenobite
A member of a religious community who lives in an isolated cell but assembles for occasional common meals and worship.
Filed underChurch History
Definition
From Latin coenobium, 'cloister,' from Greek word for 'common life.' Member of a religious community as contrasted by an anchorite; used technically of those who live in isolated cells within the confines of a community and assemble occasionally for common meals and worship.
Connections
Follow this entry through the Lexicon.
- Contrasted with
- anchoriteTerm
Sources
- 1.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 174Original citation: Brauer, Jerald C., and B. A. Gerrish, eds. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971, 174.
Last revised August 14, 2026