refectory

What is the purpose of a room called a refectory?

From Slate ● Dec. 18, 2023

The painting, in oil on canvas, was commissioned by her own convent of Santa Caterina; once completed, it was hung on the nuns’ refectory wall.

From The Guardian ● Oct. 19, 2019

Another Jesuit, Father Michael O'Sullivan, met him briefly in the refectory one evening during that visit.

From BBC ● Apr. 2, 2018

Meals from the refectory can be arranged on a donation basis.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 1, 2018

I rub my hands together for the feeble warmth as I pass by the door of the refectory, where the nuns eat in silence, their heads bent in a row over their food.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Designers are conjuring all kinds of nonkitchen-y arenas, like the refectories of old boarding schools, a signature of Christopher Peacock, the English-born kitchen designer once known for his all-white offerings.

From New York Times ● Oct. 2, 2017

The cathedral library, formerly the dormitory and refectories of the abbey, contains a number of curious and interesting printed books and MSS., and the portable altar, vestments and other relics found in St Cuthbert’s grave.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 8 "Dubner" to "Dyeing" by Various

The other objects most worthy of notice in this spacious, building, which, together with its precincts, occupies seventeen arpens, are the refectories and kitchens, which are very extensive.

From Paris as It Was and as It Is by Francis W. Blagdon

On each side of the main court, against the outer wall, is another court, with buildings round it, consisting of kitchen and refectories on the one side, and hospital wards on the other.

From Architecture Classic and Early Christian by T. Roger (Thomas Roger) Smith

Monastic refectories had pulpits, which the reader occupied when he read to his brethren during meals.

From English Villages by P. H. (Peter Hampson) Ditchfield