The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Abbey \Ab"bey\ ([a^]b"b[y^]), n.; pl. Abbeys (-b[i^]z). [OF.
   aba["i]e, abba["i]e, F. abbaye, L. abbatia, fr. abbas abbot.
   See Abbot.]
   1. A monastery or society of persons of either sex, secluded
      from the world and devoted to religion and celibacy; also,
      the monastic building or buildings.
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   Note: The men are called monks, and governed by an abbot; the
         women are called nuns, and governed by an abbess.
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   2. The church of a monastery.
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   Note: In London, the Abbey means Westminster Abbey, and in
         Scotland, the precincts of the Abbey of Holyrood. The
         name is also retained for a private residence on the
         site of an abbey; as, Newstead Abbey, the residence of
         Lord Byron.
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   Syn: Monastery; convent; nunnery; priory; cloister. See
        Cloister.
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