The monastic system, religious practices, and principles of the Benedictine order, founded by Saint Benedict in the 6th century.
From 'Benedictine' (follower of Saint Benedict's rule) plus the suffix '-ism' (system or doctrine). Saint Benedict's rule became foundational to Western monasticism.
The Benedictines' motto 'Ora et labora' (pray and work) shaped medieval Europe—these monks preserved ancient texts through Dark Ages, essentially bootstrapping the Renaissance by copying books!
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