Minorite

See also: minorité and minnorité

English

Alternative forms

• minorite

Etymology

From Medieval Latin Minorita, from Latin minor + -īta (“-ite”), from Ordo Fratres Minores (“Order of Friars Minor”), literally the "Order of the Lesser Brothers", chosen by St. Francis to inculcate humility in its members. Equivalent to minor +‎ -ite. Doublet of minister.

Noun

Minorite (plural Minorites)

1. (Catholicism) Synonym of Franciscan: a friar of the Order of Friars Minor.
   • 1537, Anonymous, Original & Sprynge of All Sectes & Orders..., sig, C5v:

     Minores or Minorites descende from the aforesayd Barefootes, which be also vnder the rule and clothynge of S. Frauncisce.

2. (Christianity, obsolete) A lesser cleric.
   • 1644, John Milton, Areopagitica, section 9:

     Our inquisiturient Bishops, and the attendant minorites their Chaplains...

Adjective

Minorite (not comparable)

1. (Catholicism) Synonym of Franciscan: Of or related to the Franciscans.
   • 1563 March 30 (Gregorian calendar), John Foxe, Actes and Monuments of These Latter and Perillous Dayes, […], London: […] Iohn Day, […], →OCLC, book I, page [70]:

     The order of the Minors or Minorite Friers descended from one Francis... of... Asisium.

   • 1598, Vincent of Beauvais, translated by Richard Hakluyt, The Principal Navigations... of the English Nation, volume I, page 53:

     ...a Frier Minorite, called Simon de Sanct. Quintin...

Usage notes

Infrequently used as a postmodifier.

References

• “Minorite, n. and adj.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, 2022.
• “Minorite”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.