Definitions

1. noun

an older brother, especially one of the same parents and the same father as the speaker, used as a term of address or respect

“He called his frere over to join the conversation.”

2. noun

a monk, especially one of a community of monks in a particular order, who takes a vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience

“The frere played a key role in the monastery’s daily routine.”

3. noun

a member of a medieval or early modern order of monks who were organized into houses and lived a monastic life, especially one who belonged to the order of the Franciscans or the Dominicans

“The historical novel focused on the lives of the frere in the medieval village.”