CISTERCIANS

religious order of monks and nuns, following the rule of St. Benedict, and founded by St. Robert, abbot of Molesme, Langres, 1098, in the forest of Citeaux (Lat. Cistercium), France. Within a cent. the Cistercians po e ed 800 important abbeys on the Continent, and before the Reformation numerous convents in Britain. Silence, abstinence from flesh meat, manual labor, etc., are included in the rule. At present they are divided into three bodies, the most important of which is the Trappists.