Anchoress

usgb/ˈæŋkəres/
noun

A woman who chooses to live her life in solitude, often for religious reasons, in a small room attached to a church.

In the medieval period, the local anchoress was a source of wise counsel and spiritual guidance.
Visual representation of "anchoress" - A woman who chooses to live her life in solitude, often for religious reasons, in a small room attached to a church

Often appears as...

  • medieval anchoress
  • anchoress of julian

Usage tips

Formal

Historical

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Visual representation of "anchoress"
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Gender Specific

An 'anchoress' refers exclusively to a woman; the male counterpart is called an 'anchorite'.

Illustration for Gender Specific
The ancient church has rooms for both an anchoress and an anchorite.
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Voluntary Seclusion

An anchoress voluntarily retreats from society, which differs from being forced into isolation.

Illustration for Voluntary Seclusion
She chose the path of an anchoress, seeking peace away from the world.
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Religious Undertone

The term often implies a spiritual or religious motive, not just any solitary life.

Illustration for Religious Undertone
People visited the anchoress to discuss matters of faith and spirituality.
Visual representation of the word "Anchoress"

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