1. 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.