A Dictionary of the English Language/abbey

by Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)

A′bbey, or Abby. n. s. [Lat. abbstia; from whence probably first Abbacy; which see.] A monastery of religious persons, whether men or women; distinguished from religious houses of other denominations by larger privileges. See Abbot.

With easy roads he came to Leicester;
Lodg'd in the abbey, where the reverend abbot,
With all his convent, honourabiy receiv'd him.Shakesp.