lavra

noun

1. (alt-of, alternative)Alternative form of laura.

   “2000, Edward G. Mathews, Jr., Lavra, entry in William M. Johnston (editor), Encyclopedia of Monasticism: A-L, page 747, He left this and, together with a fellow monk, Theoctistus, founded a number of other monasteries and lavras, including the lavra on the cliff in Wadi Mukallik and another in the area of Mishor Adummim.”

   “The other 46 signatories of the Tragos can be assumed to have been hegoumenoi of lavras — no doubt perfectly well-run holy houses in their way, but they lacked the architectural grandeur of the Great Lavra, and they lacked its staying power too.”

   “Also important were the lavras (colonies of hermits) established in Palestine between the fourth and early sixth centuries, notably those founded by St Euthymius (+473) and his disciple St Sabas (+532).”