Trappists

Trappists, THE, an order of Cistercian monks, originally founded in 1140 at La Trappe in the French department of Orne. The rules were very rigid; but, as with other orders, they were neglected, and reform was badly needed at the time of its introduction by Abbot de Rance, in the middle of the 17th century. The time of the monks is divided between work, meditation, and prayer. They rise to the first service at 2 a.m., and go to bed at 8 p.m., and pass twelve hours out of the twenty~four in prayer. They are vegetarians, but are allowed milk and cheese, except on fast-days. Some houses permit beer, cider, or wine as a drink. Perpetual silence is the rule, except on specified occasions, the Abbot and the Guest-Master only being allowed to speak. The order is to be found in England, Ireland, France, America and Belgium.