prieur

A prieur is a monastic official, typically ranking below an abbot or abbess, who assists in the administration of a monastery. The title "prieur" is of French origin and translates to "prior" in English. The female equivalent is "prieure," or "prioress."

The role of a prieur can vary significantly depending on the monastic order and the specific rules governing the community. Generally, a prieur is responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing finances, supervising the monks or nuns, and ensuring the observance of the monastic rule. In the absence of the abbot or abbess, the prieur often assumes leadership responsibilities.

The establishment of a prieur is common in monastic foundations that are subordinate to a larger abbey or in priories that function as independent communities but do not have the status of an abbey. A priory, headed by a prieur, might be a smaller monastic house that depends on a mother abbey for support and governance.

Historically, the office of prieur has been an important position within the hierarchical structure of many monastic orders, including Benedictine, Cistercian, and Augustinian traditions. The prieur is usually appointed by the abbot or abbess or elected by the monastic community, subject to confirmation by higher ecclesiastical authority. The specific duties and authority of a prieur are defined by the particular monastic constitution.