Franciscans

Noun

Franciscan (plural Franciscans)

1. A friar of the religious order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1209, now known as the Order of the Friars Minor.
   • [O]ur old antient Purgatory pick-purſe, that vvas ſvvaged and covvled vvith a Franciſcan’s covvl, […]1536 June 15 (Gregorian calendar), Hugh Latimer, “Sermon II. By the Reverend Father in Christ Master Hugh Latimer Bishop of Worcester. Preached to the Convocation of the Clergy, before the Parliament...

   Synonyms:

   Cordelier, Friar Minor, Minorite, Observant

2. A friar or nun of a religious order based on the rule of Francis of Assisi's original order, such as (Roman Catholicism) the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (for men), Order of Friars Minor Conventual (men), Order of Saint Clare (women), or the Third Order of Saint Francis (men and women); or (Protestantism) certain orders in some Protestant churches, especially the Anglican Church and the Lutheran Church.

   Synonyms:

   Capuchin, Conventual, greyfriar, Minorite, Clarisse, Clarissine, Minoress, Poor Clare

See all 4 meanings of Franciscan