FRI'AR, noun [Latin frater. See Brother.]

1. An appellation common to the monks of all orders; those who enter religious orders considering themselves as a fraternity or brotherhood. Friars are generally distinguished into four principal branches, viz:1. Minors, gray friars or Franciscans; 2. Augustines; 3. Dominicans or black friars; 4. White Friars or Carmelites.

2. In a restricted sense, a monk who is not a priest; those friars who are in orders being called fathers.