nunnery

Definition

Any convent (religious community) or the buildings thereof.

Etymology

From Middle English nonnery, nonnerie, equivalent to nun + -ery. (brothel): Compare typologically Czech nevěstinec (< nevěstka < nevěsta).

Example Sentences

• "Get thee to a nunnery, why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?"
• "[To] some one Gentleman generally acquainted, they giue... free priuiledge thenceforward in theyr Nunnery, to procure them frequentance..."
• "To the antipapist Tudors nunnery was a slang term for a brothel."

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