‖n. [ NL. See Monad. ] (Zool.) A genus of minute flagellate Infusoria of which there are many species, both free and attached. See Illust. under Monad. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. monasterials, fr. monasterium. ] Of or pertaining to monastery, or to monastic life. -- Mon`as*te"ri*al*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

n.; pl. Monasteries [ L. monasterium, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; a solitary, a monk, fr. &unr_; to be alone, live in solitude, fr. mo`nos alone. Cf. Minister. ] A house of religious retirement, or of secusion from ordinary temporal concerns, especially for monks; -- more rarely applied to such a house for females. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Convent; abbey; priory. See Cloister. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A monk. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. [ Gr. &unr_; monk: cf. F. monastique. See Monastery. ] 1. Of or pertaining to monasteries, or to their occupants, rules, etc., as, monastic institutions or rules. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Secluded from temporal concerns and devoted to religion; recluse. “A life monastic.” Denham. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a monastic manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The monastic life, system, or condition. Milman. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ NL. See Monastic. ] A book giving an account of monasteries. [ 1913 Webster ]