anchoress etymology

Etymology:

• anchorite (12th century): from Old French anchorite, from Late Latin anchorēta, feminine form of anchorēta, from Ancient Greek ἀναχωρητής (anachōrētēs) “recluse, hermit,” from ἀναχωρέω (anachōreō) “to retire, withdraw,” from ἀνά (aná) “up, back” + χωρέω (chōreō) “to go, move.”
• -ess, feminine suffix; similar to -ette (as in laundrette)

Meaning:

An anchoress is a female solitary religious recluse who lives in a small enclosed cell attached to a church or monastery.

Origin:

The practice of anchoretism (the life of an anchorite) emerged in the Christian Church in the 4th century. The first known anchoress was Syncletica of Alexandria, who lived in a cave in the early 5th century. In the early Middle Ages, anchoresses were often enclosed in their cells by the bishop, with only a small window or opening for contact with the outside world. They typically spent their days in prayer, meditation, and manual labor, and were supported by donations from the community.

In the late Middle Ages, anchoresses became increasingly common in England, where they were known as "anchoresses." They were often enclosed in small cells attached to parish churches, and were supported by the local community. Anchoresses played an important role in medieval society, providing spiritual guidance and counsel to the laity.

The practice of anchoretism declined after the Reformation, but it was revived in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, there are a small number of anchoresses living in various parts of the world.

anchoress relate terms

• anchorite

  Etymology Ancient Greek ἀναχωρητής anachorētḗs one who withdraws fro

• anchor

  Etymology The word anchor comes from the Greek word ankhura which means hook Me

• ground

  Etymology The word ground has several origins Old English grund meaning soil

• recuse

  Etymology The word recuse comes from the Latin verb recusare meaning to refuse or

• rescue

  Etymology The word rescue comes from the Middle English word rescus which in turn co

• secure

  Etymology The word secure originates from the Latin term securus meaning free from

• ceruse

  Etymology French céruse lt Latin cerussa lt Greek keringos white lead Mea

• fasten

  Etymology Middle English fastnen from Old English fæstnian to make firm or secure

• clock

  Etymology Middle English clokke from Old English clucge Germanic origin Proto German

• quandary

  Etymology The word quandary comes from the Old French word quandenier which means