English Reference

Word

covent

/ˈkəvənt/

Definition

n. an old word for a group of people living in a religious house, like a monastery or nunnery. It is the original form of the modern word 'convent'.

n. a religious community or the building it inhabits; the archaic spelling and etymological precursor to 'convent'. Typically refers to a body of monks or nuns under one roof.

Examples

“The ancient covent stood quietly in the valley.”

“Historical records from the medieval period mention a small covent of monks who farmed the local lands.”

“In several Middle English manuscripts, the term covent is employed to describe not just the stone cloisters, but the entire collective spiritual family residing within.”

Examples

simple

“The ancient covent stood quietly in the valley.”

contextual

“Historical records from the medieval period mention a small covent of monks who farmed the local lands.”

complex

“In several Middle English manuscripts, the term covent is employed to describe not just the stone cloisters, but the entire collective spiritual family residing within.”

Usage

Archaic spelling; almost entirely replaced by 'convent' in modern English.

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference