ABBEY, abbatia, is a society of religious persons, having an abbot or abbessto preside over them. Formerly some of the most considerable abbots andto preside over them. Formerly some of the most considerable abbots andpriors in England had seats and votes in the house of lords. The prior ofpriors in England had seats and votes in the house of lords. The prior ofSt. John's of Jerusalem, was styled the first baron of England, in respectSt. John's of Jerusalem, was styled the first baron of England, in respectto the lay barons, but he was the last of the spiritual barons.to the lay barons, but he was the last of the spiritual barons. |
