congregations of devout young women, who maintain themselves by the work of their hands, leading a middle kind of life between the secular and religious. These societies consist of several houses placed together in one inclosure, with one or more churches, according to the number of beguins.

There is in every house a prioress, without whose leave they cannot stir out. Their vow is conceived in these terms: I promise to be obedient and chastise, as long as I continue in this beguininge. They observe a three years novitiate before they take the habit, and the rector of the parish is their superior, but can do nothing without the advice of eight beguins.

They are established in several parts of Flanders.