a convent, or house built for the reception and entertainment of monks, mendicant friars, or nuns, whether it be an abbey, priory, &c.

Monasteries are governed by different rules, according to the different regulations prescribed by their founders. The first regular and perfect monasteries were founded by St. Pachomius in Egypt; but St. Basil is generally considered as the great father and patriarch of the eastern monks; since, in the fourth century, he prescribed rules for the government of the monasteries, to which the Anachorites and Cenobites, and the other ancient fathers of the deserts, submitted. In like manner St. Benedict was styled the patriarch of the western monks. He appeared in Italy towards the latter end of the fifth century, and published his rule, which was universally received throughout the west. Monastic St Augustine being sent into England by St Gregory the pope, in the year 596, to convert the English, he at the same time introduced the monastic state into that kingdom; which made such progress there, that, within the space of 200 years, there were 30 kings and queens who preferred the religious habit to their crowns, and founded stately monasteries, where they ended their days in retirement.