seminary

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an institution that trains candidates for the priesthood, ministry, or rabbinate

   After university, he entered a seminary to train for the priesthood.

2. 2
   noun

   historical: a private school or academy, especially one for girls or young women

   The sisters were educated at a private seminary for young ladies.

3. 3
   noun

   archaic or figurative: a place or environment in which a quality, practice, or idea originates and spreads

   Critics called the corrupt court a seminary of intrigue.

From Middle English seminary, 'seedbed or nursery,' from Latin seminarium, from semen, 'seed.' The plant nursery image was extended to places that cultivate people, beliefs, or practices. After the sixteenth century it became especially associated with schools training clergy; seminar belongs to the same word family.

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External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
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