gilbertine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “gilbertine” mean?
A member of a monastic order founded by St. Gilbert of Sempringham in the 12th century.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of a monastic order founded by St. Gilbert of Sempringham in the 12th century.
Pertaining to St. Gilbert, his monastic order, or the double monasteries (for men and women) he established in medieval England.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally rare in both varieties but might be slightly more encountered in British historical texts due to the order's English origin.
Connotations
Scholarly, medieval, ecclesiastical.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage. Almost never appears outside specialized historical or religious academic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “gilbertine” in a Sentence
[be] a Gilbertine[member] of the Gilbertine orderVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gilbertine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The ruins are of a Gilbertine priory.
- She studied Gilbertine architecture.
American English
- The manuscript shows Gilbertine influence.
- He is an expert on Gilbertine history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and medieval studies to describe the order, its members, architecture, or rules. E.g., 'Gilbertine liturgical practices'.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A precise term in ecclesiastical history.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gilbertine”
- Using it as a general adjective (e.g., 'a gilbertine design' for something merely old).
- Misspelling as 'Gilbertian', which usually refers to the style of W.S. Gilbert (of Gilbert and Sullivan).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialized term used almost exclusively in historical and religious studies contexts.
Yes. As a noun: 'She was a Gilbertine.' As an adjective: 'Gilbertine ruins.'
'Gilbertine' refers to St. Gilbert of Sempringham and his monastic order. 'Gilbertian' typically refers to the witty, comic style of the playwright W.S. Gilbert (of Gilbert and Sullivan).
Primarily in academic books, papers, or documentaries about medieval English history, monasticism, or the dissolution of the monasteries.
A member of a monastic order founded by St. Gilbert of Sempringham in the 12th century.
Gilbertine is usually historical / academic in register.
Gilbertine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪlbətaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɪlbərˌtaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Gilbert' + '-ine' (as in 'Franciscan' or 'Augustinian'). It's the 'line' of followers of St. Gilbert.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for such a specific historical referent.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Gilbertine' specifically refer to?