cloister
UK[ˈklɔɪstə]US[ˈklɔɪstər]
n
a covered passage with arches around a square garden, typically in a convent, monastery, or cathedral
n
a convent or monastery
v
to shut away from the world in or as if in a convent or monastery
Etymology
the word cloister entered english in the 13th century via old french 'cloistre', which itself evolved from latin 'claustrum', meaning "a lock, bar, or enclosed place." this latin noun originates from the verb 'claudere', "to close, shut." the core semantic thread from its proto-indo-european root klau- ("hook, peg, something to close with") is the concept of enclosure. the architectural meaning of a covered walkway surrounding a religious courtyard developed from the idea of a secluded space separated from the outside world. over time, the meaning extended metaphorically to refer to the secluded life within such a place and, as a verb, to the act of secluding oneself.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from old french, where its form was already tightly fused. it is derived from latin 'claustrum', meaning "a place shut in, enclosure, bar". the latin root is 'claudere', meaning "to close".
Examples
the nuns walked in quiet contemplation around the stone cloister.
he chose to cloister himself in his study to finish writing his book.
the ancient monastery's cloister is a masterpiece of roman architecture.