| Cistercian | n. [ LL. Cistercium. F. Cîteaux, a convent not far from Dijon, in France: cf. F. cistercien. ] (Eccl.) A monk of the prolific branch of the Benedictine Order, established in 1098 at Cîteaux, in France, by Robert, abbot of Molesme. For two hundred years the Cistercians followed the rule of St. Benedict in all its rigor. -- a. Of or pertaining to the Cistercians. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Cistern | n. [ OE. cisterne, OF. cisterne, F. cisterne, fr. L. cisterna, fr. cista box, chest. See Cist, and cf. chest. ] 1. An artificial reservoir or tank for holding water, beer, or other liquids. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A natural reservoir; a hollow place containing water. “The wide cisterns of the lakes.” Blackmore. [ 1913 Webster ] |