\Ab"bey\ ([a^]b"b[y^]), n.; pl. {Abbeys} (-b[i^]z). [OF.
aba["i]e, abba["i]e, F. abbaye, L. abbatia, fr. abbas abbot.
See {Abbot}.]
1. A monastery or society of persons of either sex, secluded
   from the world and devoted to religion and celibacy; also,
   the monastic building or buildings.

Note: The men are called monks, and governed by an abbot; the
      women are called nuns, and governed by an abbess.

2. The church of a monastery.

Note: In London, the Abbey means Westminster Abbey, and in
      Scotland, the precincts of the Abbey of Holyrood. The
      name is also retained for a private residence on the
      site of an abbey; as, Newstead Abbey, the residence of
      Lord Byron.

Syn: Monastery; convent; nunnery; priory; cloister. See
     {Cloister}.