Beguine
1
9.9
- noun
- /bɪˈɡiːn/
- Archaic
- Attacks on beguines in Germany continued with varying degrees of intensity, but with no overall abatement, for the next century.
- beguines and tertiaries
- beguine communities
- beghards and beguines
Examples
-
In the 12th century, a group of beguines dedicated their lives to serving the poor in their community.
-
Several years later, a few individual beguines began to reappear in Basel, but they never again formed large communities in the city.
Academic text (2003) -
Indeed, to prove this point, a sister had a dream in which another recently deceased beguine appeared before all the saints, who asked her who she was and what order she was from.
Academic text (2007) -
At this point, the conflict essentially ended with the complete victory of the opponents of the beguines.
Academic text (2003) -
For him, the poverty and mendicancy of the beguines was itself a serious threat.
Academic text (2003) -
But as a complete defense of the beguines, at least in terms of poverty, they were unmatched.
Academic text (2003) -
Increasing suspicion of female religious innovation is further evident in the deteriorating position of semireligious beguine communities in northern Europe.
Academic text (2007) -
The beguines especially were closely associated with the mendicant orders, above all with the Franciscans.
Academic text (2003) -
For example, we know that beguines in the Low Countries incorporated activities and elaborate prayers around life-size pietas.
Academic text (2007) -
Douceline herself led the community, but the house was under the spiritual care of Franciscans, and the beguines used the Franciscan church.
Academic text (2007)
Surface Forms
Etymology
Beguine probably comes from the name Begga, an early 'saint' from the Low Countries who founded a house where women lived a religious life without taking formal vows. So a Beguine is a woman who lived together with others in a religious community but chose not to become a nun.