laura

Definition

A number of hermitages or cells in the same neighborhood occupied by anchorites who were under the same superior

Etymology

From the Late Latin laura, from Ancient Greek λαύρα (laúra, “lane, path”).

Example Sentences

• "The solitaries of the Thebaid found that they became selfish wild beasts, or went mad, if they remained alone; and they formed themselves into lauras, 'lanes' of huts, convents, under a common abbot or father."
• "There were the cenobia, or monasteries proper, where the life was according to the lines laid down by St Basil; and there were the lauras, wherein a semi-eremitical life was followed, the monks living in separate huts within the enclosure."