convent meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

convent

noun

UK /ˈkɒn.vɛnt/ · US /ˈkɑn.vɛnt/

Etymology From Middle English convent, variant of covent, from Old French covent, from Latin conventus, perfect participle of the verb convenio (whence ultimately convene), see con- + venio. Doublet of coven.

A religious community whose members live under strict observation of religious rules and self-imposed vows.

Near-synonym: abbey
My God! It's enough to drive a girl into a convent! Do they have Jewish nuns?1972, Jay Presson Allen, Cabaret, spoken by Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli):

The buildings and pertaining surroundings in which such a community lives.

One seldom finds in Italy a spot of ground more agreeable than ordinary that is not covered with a convent.1705, J[oseph] Addison, Remarks on Several Parts of Italy, &c. in the Years 1701, 1702, 1703, London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC:

Especially Synonym of nunnery, a female religious community and its residence.

India A Christian school.

A gathering of people lasting several days for the purpose of discussing or working on topics previously selected.

A coming together; a meeting.

...an usual ceremony at their [the witches'] convents or meetings...1609, Ben Jonson, The Masque of Queens:

Derived terms: convent school, Convent Station
Related terms: convenance, convene, convenient, conventicle, convention, covenant, Covent Garden, covin, commune, rectory, seminary

convent

verb

/kənˈvɛnt/

Etymology From Latin convenio (past participle conventus), whence also convene; so of the same ultimate origin as Etymology 1.

Obsolete To call before a judge or judicature; to summon; to convene.

Tomorrow morning to the Council board He be convented.1613 (date written), William Shakespeare, [John Fletcher], “The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eight”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i], line 52:

Obsolete To meet together; to concur.

We convent nought else but woes1613–1614, William Shakespeare, John Fletcher, “The Two Noble Kinsmen”, in Comedies and Tragedies […], London: […] Humphrey Robinson, […], and for Humphrey Moseley […], published 1679, →OCLC, (please specify the act number in uppercase Roman numerals, and the scene number in lowercase Roman numerals):

Obsolete To be convenient; to serve.

When that is known and golden time convents.c. 1601–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Twelfe Night, or What You Will”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i], line 379:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.