noun
- members of lay religious communities of women in medieval Europe who lived together but did not take formal vows
Usage: historical
Examples
- The beguines established communities throughout the Low Countries in the 13th century.
- Unlike nuns, beguines could leave their communities and marry if they chose.
- Many beguines supported themselves through textile work and caring for the sick.
- The beguines lived simple, devout lives while remaining part of secular society.
- Several beguine communities still exist today as historical sites in Belgium.