Beguines

/bɪˈɡwinz/ noun (plural)

Definition

Multiple members of lay sisterhoods; plural of beguine.

Etymology

Plural form of 'beguine,' formed by adding the standard '-s' suffix to indicate more than one member of a beguine community.

Kelly Says

Medieval records of beguines are fascinating because they document the earliest organized, woman-controlled religious communities in Europe—communities that thrived for centuries despite constant suspicion from church authorities.

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