beghard

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. One of a body of religious enthusiasts which arose in Flanders in the thirteenth century; a Beguin (which see). Also written Beguard.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. (Eccl. Hist.) One of an association of religious laymen living in imitation of the Beguines. They arose in the thirteenth century, were afterward subjected to much persecution, and were suppressed by Innocent X. in 1650. Called also Beguins.