English

Noun

convent ‎(plural convents)

1. A religious community whose members (especially nuns) live under strict observation of religious rules and self-imposed vows.
2. The buildings and pertaining surroundings in which such a community lives.
   • Addison

     One seldom finds in Italy a spot of ground more agreeable than ordinary that is not covered with a convent.

3. A gathering of people lasting several days for the purpose of discussing or working on topics previously selected.
4. A coming together; a meeting.
   • Ben Jonson

     a usual ceremony at their [the witches'] convents or meetings

Translations

Related terms

• convenance
• convene
• convenient
• conventicle
• convention
• covenant

See also

• monastery
• nunnery

Verb

convent ‎(third-person singular simple present convents, present participle conventing, simple past and past participle convented)

1. (obsolete) To call before a judge or judicature; to summon; to convene.
   • 1613, William Shakespeare, The Life of King Henry the Eighth, V. i. 52:

     Tomorrow morning to the Council board / He be convented.

2. (obsolete) To meet together; to concur.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Beaumont and Fletcher to this entry?)

3. (obsolete) To be convenient; to serve.
   • 1599, William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, V. i. 379:

     When that is known and golden time convents.

Catalan

Etymology

From Latin conventus.

Noun

convent m ‎(plural convents)

1. convent (building)

French

Etymology

Borrowing from Latin conventus. See also the doublet couvent.

Noun

convent m ‎(plural convents)

1. convent, nunnery

Related terms

• convention