A priory is a religious house or monastery led by a prior or prioress. It is often similar to an abbey, but a priory is usually under a prior rather than an abbot.

Simple meaning

  • A place where monks or nuns live in a religious community.
  • The leader is called a prior or prioress.
  • In some traditions, priories are smaller or lower in rank than abbeys.

In practice

A priory can be:

  • A standalone monastery.
  • A house that depends on a larger abbey.
  • A religious residence used by different Christian orders.

Example

If an abbey is like a main branch, a priory is often like a smaller branch or dependent house.

TL;DR: A priory is a monastery or religious house headed by a prior or prioress.