Sylfdema

Sylfdema
Lit. 'self-appointed'. One of the four kinds of monk, as described in an AS version of the rule of St Benedict. According to that rule the sylfdema had never adhered to any rule nor been taught by a master: they were 'soft as lead'. They went about in twos or threes or even singly 'without a shepherd, not enclosed in the Lord's sheepfold'. They just followed 'the enjoyment of their will instead of a rule; whatever they think fit or choose to do they call holy'. -

Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. .

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  • Mynstermon — Lit. minster man . One of the four kinds of monk, as described in an AS version of the rule of St Benedict. The mynstermon was the monk who lived in a monastery under a rule and under an *abbot. Cf. Sylfdema, Westensetla; Widscrithul …   Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

  • Westensetla — Lit. settler in the wilds . One of the four kinds of monk, as described in an AS version of the rule of St Benedict. According to that rule, these hermits or anchorites were experienced in religious life and were not full of a beginner s fervour …   Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

  • Widscrithul — A wandering monk. One of the four kinds of monk, as described in an AS version of the rule of St Benedict. The widscrithul was the monk who spent his life wandering about, staying in different *cells for a few days at a time, always wandering,… …   Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

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