1. a religious house governed by a prior or prioress, typically smaller than an abbey

Examples

• The medieval priory was home to twelve monks.
• She visited the ruins of an ancient priory in the countryside.
• The priory was founded in the 12th century by Benedictine nuns.
• Tourists often explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the old priory.
• The prior managed the daily operations of the small priory.
• Archaeological excavations revealed the foundation of a Roman priory.