an order of nuns, so called from their founder St Clara. She was born at Assisi in Italy; and having dedicated herself to religion, founded this order in the year 1212. It comprehends not only those nuns who follow the rule of St Francis to the letter, but likewise those who observe the same rule as modified by several popes. After the conquest of Mexico by Fernando Cortez, Isabella of Portugal, wife of the emperor Charles V. sent thither some nuns of this order, who founded communities of Indian young women, and instructed them in religion, and in such accomplishments as were suitable to their sex. These communities were very considerable—usually consisting of 400 or 600 individuals.