Moines

Moines is the plural form of the French noun moine, meaning monk. In religious contexts it denotes members of a monastic community who have taken vows and often live in cloistered settings such as monasteries and priories. Historically, the term has been used to describe monks across Christian traditions, including Benedictine, Cistercian, and Augustinian orders.

The word derives from Latin monachus through Old French moine. In medieval Europe the term expanded beyond individuals to refer to the monastic way of life, the institutions themselves, and the lands and privileges associated with them.

In toponymy, several places in France include the element Moines in their names, reflecting historical monastic influence or land ownership tied to religious houses. The usage survives in historical records and in the names of certain localities.

In contemporary French, moines remains the standard plural for monks and appears in religious, historical, and literary contexts. It is a neutral, descriptive term without contemporary parliamentary or administrative connotations.