convent

Meanings

Noun

• A religious community whose members (especially nuns) live under strict observation of religious rules and self-imposed vows.
• The buildings and pertaining surroundings in which such a community lives.
• A Christian school.
• A gathering of people lasting several days for the purpose of discussing or working on topics previously selected.
• A coming together; a meeting.

Verb

• To call before a judge or judicature; to summon; to convene.
• To meet together; to concur.
• To be convenient; to serve.

Origin

• From Middle English convent, variant of covent, from Old French covent, from Latin conventus, perfect participle of the verb convenio (whence ultimately convene), see con- + venio. coven
• From Latin convenio (past participle conventus), whence also convene; so of the same ultimate origin as Etymology 1.