refectory

A refectory is a room or hall used for communal dining, most commonly in religious houses such as monasteries and convents, but also in educational institutions, hospitals, and other organizations. In monasteries, the refectory was an integral part of the cloistered complex, designed for orderly meals and quiet reflection.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin refectorium, meaning a place for refreshment or meals, from refectio “a refreshment.”

History and design: In medieval monasteries the refectory was typically a large, austere room with a long table or rows of benches, sometimes with a raised head table for the abbot or prior. It often lay adjacent to the cloister and away from the church; meals were commonly taken in silence and accompanied by a reading provided by a lector. Architectural treatments varied, but the space was generally functional, with simple furnishings, solid walls, and modest decoration.

Modern use: In contemporary settings the term persists in many countries to describe university, college, or school dining halls, as well as dining rooms in hospitals or charitable houses. In such contexts the refectory may operate as a buffet-style cafeteria or as a formal dining room, depending on the institution and tradition. The term remains common in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other parts of the Commonwealth, whereas in the United States the term “dining hall” is more prevalent in everyday usage.