Definition of
Abbey
- (noun, artifact) a monastery ruled by an abbot
- (noun, artifact) a convent ruled by an abbess
- (noun, artifact) a church associated with a monastery or convent
via WordNet, Princeton University
Origin of the word Abbey
- mid-13c., "convent headed by an abbot or abbess," from Anglo-Fr. abbeie, from O.Fr. abaie, from L.L. abbatia, from abbas (gen. abbatis); see abbot. more
via Online Etymology Dictionary, ©2001 Douglas Harper