noun
- plural of priorate; religious houses governed by a prior or prioress, ranking below abbeys
Usage: ecclesiastical
Examples
- The medieval priorates were important centers of learning and agriculture.
- Several priorates in the region were dissolved during the Reformation.
- The historian studied the economic records of various priorates.
- These priorates maintained extensive libraries and scriptoriums.
- The king granted land to establish new priorates in the countryside.
- Many priorates served as hospitals and schools for local communities.