abbey \ab"bey\ a^b"by^, n.; pl. abbeys -bi^z. of.
   aba"ie, abba"ie, f. abbaye, l. abbatia, fr. abbas abbot.
   see abbot.
   1. a monastery or society of persons of either sex, secluded
      from the world and devoted to religion and celibacy; also,
      the monastic building or buildings.
      1913 webster

   note: the men are called monks, and governed by an abbot; the
         women are called nuns, and governed by an abbess.
         1913 webster

   2. the church of a monastery.
      1913 webster

   note: in london, the abbey means westminster abbey, and in
         scotland, the precincts of the abbey of holyrood. the
         name is also retained for a private residence on the
         site of an abbey; as, newstead abbey, the residence of
         lord byron.
         1913 webster

   syn: monastery; convent; nunnery; priory; cloister. see
        cloister.
        1913 webster
see also:
abbeys abbot cloister