apát

Apát is a Hungarian word that primarily translates to "abbot" in English. An abbot is the head or superior of a monastery, particularly in Benedictine, Cistercian, and Augustinian monastic traditions. The term is derived from the Aramaic word "abba," meaning "father." In the context of the Catholic Church, an abbot is a spiritual leader responsible for the spiritual and temporal governance of his monastic community. They are typically ordained priests and are elected by the monks of the abbey.

Historically, abbots held significant social and political influence due to the wealth and land owned by their monasteries. They could sit in regional councils or even national parliaments, depending on the country and era. The role of an abbot involves overseeing the daily life of the monks, ensuring adherence to the monastic rule, managing the abbey's finances and property, and representing the monastery to the outside world.

While the primary meaning of "apát" is abbot, in a broader, colloquial sense in Hungarian, it can sometimes be used humorously or informally to refer to a very portly or stout man, likening his physique to the traditionally well-fed appearance sometimes associated with abbots. However, this secondary meaning is much less common and generally understood within specific informal contexts. The formal and most prevalent meaning remains that of the head of a monastery.