trappist

Everyday

1. (church) A Trappist is a Catholic monk or nun of a strict order (the Cistercians of the Strict Observance), known for prayer, hard work and long periods of silence. tree →
2. adjective: To do with this order: a Trappist monastery. tree →
3. Trappist beer or cheese: made in or under the control of Trappist monasteries. tree →

In the lessons

In religious education, Trappist monks live in monasteries such as Mount Melleray and Roscrea in Ireland, Mount Saint Bernard in England and Gethsemani in the USA; they pray several times a day and support themselves by farming, baking or brewing. «Trappist silence» is a phrase for keeping very quiet. Phrases: «Trappist monk», «Trappist monastery», «Trappist silence».

Examples

• Trappist monks spend much of the day in silence and prayer. tree →
• The Trappist monastery sells honey and bread. tree →
• The order got its name from La Trappe Abbey in France. tree →
• Thomas Merton was a famous Trappist writer. tree →
• Trappist nuns also live in silent communities. tree →
• The class was as quiet as Trappist monks during the test. tree →

Note

Capital T. Plural «Trappists». Myth: Trappist monks do not take a total «vow of silence»; they speak when needed but keep silence much of the time. Christians believe this way of life brings them close to God.