PRIOR, more particularly denotes the superior of a convent of monks, or the next under the abbot. See ABBOT.
Priors are either clausteral or conventual. Conventual are the same as abbots. Clausteral prior, is he who governs the religious of an abbey or priory in commendam, having his jurisdiction wholly from the abbot.
Grand Prior, is the superior of a large abbey, where several superiors are required.