members of one of the mendicant orders, the four main orders being the Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites and Austin friars; they lived in regular fashion but were extensively involved with the outside community; the term literally means "brother"

Men in religious orders committed to work in the world. Examples of friars are Franciscans and Dominicans.

Term for members of the mendicant (begging) orders founded in the thirteenth century, especially Franciscans, Dominicans and Carmelites; derived from the Latin word frater, "brother". (Lynch, Joseph H. The Medieval Church: A Brief History, 362) Related terms: Franciscan