Premonstratensian

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Premonstratensian a member of an order of regular canons founded at Prémontré in France in 1120, or of the corresponding order of nuns. The Premonstratensians wear white habits and follow a strict form of the Augustinian rule, combining contemplative life with active ministry. The order had several abbeys in Britain before the Reformation and still exists in Europe.

The name comes from medieval Latin Praemonstratensis, from Praemonstratus (literally ‘foreshown’), the Latin name of the abbey of Prémontré, so named because the site was prophetically pointed out by the order's founder, St Norbert (c.1080–1134).

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