noun
Franciscan
fran-SIHSKN
noun
1
A member of a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, known for vows of poverty and simplicity.
"The Franciscans run a shelter for the homeless downtown."
adjective
1
Relating to Saint Francis of Assisi or the religious order he founded.
"The monastery follows a strict Franciscan rule of life."
How to Use Franciscan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA monk or nun of the order founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, known for living simply and helping the poor.
Common pairings
Franciscan friar
Franciscan order
Word Forms
Franciscans plural
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Etymology
From Late Latin Franciscānus, from Franciscus (Saint Francis of Assisi, born around 1181).