franciscan

Noun · Adjective

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

a Roman Catholic friar wearing the grey habit of the Franciscan orderSynonyms: Franciscan Grey Friar

Adjective (1)

of or relating to Saint Francis of Assisi or to the order founded by him“Franciscan monks”Synonyms: Franciscan

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Franciscan \Fran*cis"can\, n. (R.C.Ch.) A monk or friar of the Order of St. Francis, a large and zealous order of mendicant monks founded in 1209 by St. Francis of Assisi. They are called also Friars Minor; and in England, Gray Friars, because they wear a gray habit. [1913 Webster]

Franciscan \Fran*cis"can\, a. [LL. Franciscus Francis: cf. F. franciscain.] (R. C. Ch.) Belonging to the Order of St. Francis of the Franciscans. [1913 Webster]

Franciscan Brothers, pious laymen who devote themselves to useful works, such as manual labor schools, and other educational institutions; -- called also Brothers of the Third Order of St. Francis.

Franciscan Nuns, nuns who follow the rule of St. Francis, esp. those of the Second Order of St. Francis, -- called also Poor Clares or Minoresses.

Franciscan Tertiaries, the Third Order of St. Francis. [1913 Webster]