Beghard

noun

Beg·​hard
ˈbe-ˌgärd,
ˈbeg-ˌhärd,
ˈbe-gərd
plural -s
: a member of one of many semimonastic associations of laymen founded in the 13th century in the Low Countries in imitation of the Beguines and eventually proscribed as heretical by the medieval church and in the 14th century all but extinct

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin Beghardus, Begardus, probably from Old French begard

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Beghard

Cite this Entry

“Beghard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Beghard. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!