A religious community led by a prior or prioress, smaller than an abbey but similar to a monastery where monks or nuns live.
From Latin 'prior' meaning 'superior' or 'first in rank,' referring to the head monk or nun who led these religious houses.
Priories were medieval networks of spiritual power centers—smaller than abbeys but strategically placed across Europe, they functioned like monastery franchises that spread religious influence and learning while staying connected to larger orders.
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