noun

1. a place of religious seclusion: monastery or convent
2. monastic life
3. any place where one may lead a secluded life
4. an arched way or covered walk along the inside wall or walls of a monastery, convent, church, or college building, with a columned opening along one side leading to a courtyard or garden

Etymology: ME < OFr cloistre & OE clauster, both < ML(Ec) claustrum, portion of monastery closed off to the laity < L, a bolt, place shut in < pp. of claudere, to close

transitive verb

1. to seclude or confine in or as in a cloister
2. to furnish or surround with a cloister