Gilbertine
/ˈdʒɪl.bərˌtiːn/noun
A member of the Gilbertine order, the only medieval monastic order founded in England.
Did you know?Gilbertine comes from the name of St. Gilbert of Sempringham, who founded the only native English monastic order, and its communities unusually housed both canons and nuns under the same institution.
Etymological Timeline
12th Century
Latin
Gilbertinus
“Pertaining to Gilbert or to the religious order founded by him”
12th Century
English
Gilbertine
“A member of the order founded by St. Gilbert of Sempringham”
12th Century
Latin
Gisleberctus / Gilbertus
“The personal name Gilbert, from Germanic elements meaning roughly 'bright pledge' or 'shining pledge'”
Old English / Old French influence
Germanic
gisil + beraht
“Elements meaning 'pledge, hostage' + 'bright, famous' in the old personal name”
Modern English
English
Gilbertine
“Relating to or denoting the Gilbertine order”
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