Wiktionary
n. (plural of Culdee English)
Wikipedia
The Culdees (, "Companions of God") were members of ascetic Christian monastic and eremitical communities of Ireland, Scotland, and England in the Middle Ages. The etymology of the term, the persons designated by it, their origin, their doctrines, the rule or rules under which they lived and the limits of their authority and privileges have all been matters of controversy. All admit, however, that (in the beginning at all events) the Culdees were separated from the mass of the faithful, that their lives were devoted to religion and that they lived in community. Appearing first in Ireland and subsequently in Scotland, attached to cathedral or collegiate churches, they lived in monastic fashion though not taking monastic vows. From the 12th century Scottish and Irish Christianity was regulated on the Roman pattern and in the process the Culdees also lost any distinctiveness they may formerly have had and were brought under canonical rule.
Usage examples of "culdees".
The Celi Dei, or Culdees as they were commonly called, lived a life of austerity, disciplining their bodies to increase the glory of the soul.
Although the Culdees possessed no treasure, the Viking raiders could never believe it.
Now that their dismay was over, the Culdees surrounded the strangers with smiling faces.
The Culdees burned seal or whale oil and used wicks made of white-headed cotton grass, which grew profusely everywhere.
They were well liked and the Culdees considered them, except for their alien faith, as valuable members of the community and would have been glad to have them stay.
It was echoing lines he had heard Flann read to Thyra from the tattered book of the Culdees, when he was instructing her in his faith.