definition
strict definition
religious housing
Residences designated for clergy, monastics, or other people belonging to religious service or an order.
Religious housing is any kind of residence designated for persons in religious service, including clergy, monastics, and members of religious orders such as nuns. Usually some religious affiliation can be assigned to this type of housing to specify which religion operates it or uses it.
The designation concerns the residents' religious service or membership. A private home does not become religious housing merely because its occupants practice a religion.
The living arrangement can be an individual clerical residence or a collective home for an order. A rectory, monastery, and convent describe more specific forms.
More specific definitions
4 sub-definitions-
convent
A residence for nuns or other female members of a religious order, with or without an affiliated worship site. -
friary
Group housing for members of a religious order who are active in the outside world. -
monastery
Collective housing for members of a religious order whose communal life centers on the residence. -
rectory
A home for clergy or other religious officeholders, usually associated with a parish or congregation.
Related definitions
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assisted living
Housing where the residents are collectively cared for by working supervisors. -
charitable housing
Living space supplied free or at greatly reduced cost as refuge for people in extreme need. -
dormitory
Group housing for persons related by their participation in an institution. -
fraternal housing
Communal residential space organized as a social club around shared interests, background, or compatibility.