Abbot

An abbot (from the Hebrew ab, "a father", through the Syriac abba, Latin abbas (genitive form, abbatis), Old English abbad, ; German Abt; French abbé) is the head and chief governor of a community of monks, called also in the East hegumenos or archimandrite. The English version for a female monastic head is abbess.

Related Topics:
Monk - English - Abbess

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The title had its origin in the monasteries of Syria, spread through the eastern Mediterranean, and soon became accepted generally in all languages as the designation of the head of a monastery. At first it was employed as a respectful title for any monk, but it was soon restricted to the superior. The name "abbot" was in general use in western monastic orders. However, among the Dominicans, Carmelites, Augustinians, etc., the superior was called Praepositus, Provost, and Prior; among the Franciscans, Custos, "guardian"; and by the monks of Camaldoli, "Major."

Related Topics:
Monasteries - Syria - Mediterranean - Monastic - Orders - Dominicans - Carmelites - Augustinian - Franciscan - Camaldoli

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