1. plural of priory; religious houses governed by a prior or prioress, typically smaller than abbeys

Examples

• The medieval priories were centers of learning and prayer.
• Many English priories were dissolved during the Reformation.
• The ruins of ancient priories can still be found throughout Europe.
• She studied the architecture of Benedictine priories for her thesis.
• The priories provided shelter and care for travelers and the poor.
• Several priories in the region were founded in the 12th century.