An archaic or variant spelling of 'cloister,' a covered walkway surrounding a courtyard in monasteries or cathedrals.
Variant of 'cloister' from Latin 'claustra' (enclosed place) and Old French 'cloistre.' Spelling variations were common in medieval and early modern English before standardization.
Medieval cloister designs were brilliant—the covered walkways created comfortable zones for monks to work and pray in any weather, and the courtyard in the center provided symbolic connection to nature and heaven.
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