Clare
A nun of the Franciscan order of St. Clare; in pl. (sometimes Poor Clares) the sisterhood instituted by St. Clare at Assisi c 1212; also called Minoresses from adopting the Franciscan rule and habit.
| 1608 in Cath. Rec. Soc. Publ. (1914) XIV. 31 This Convent of Nazareth of the poor Clares erected in the Town of Graveling. a 1660 in J. Morris Troubles Cath. Forefathers (1872) vi. 277 The Rich Clares and Annunciates were their near neighbours. 1779 A. Butler Lives Saints (ed. 2) III. 108 A new nunnery of Poor Clares being founded at Bologna. 1894 A. M. Clarke Life St. Francis Borgia viii. 141 His youngest daughter had become a Poor Clare. |