\Cis*ter"cian\, n. [LL. Cistercium. F. C[^i]teaux, a
convent not far from Dijon, in France: cf. F. cistercien.]
(Eccl.)
A monk of the prolific branch of the Benedictine Order,
established in 1098 at C[^i]teaux, in France, by Robert,
abbot of Molesme. For two hundred years the Cistercians
followed the rule of St. Benedict in all its rigor. -- a. Of
or pertaining to the Cistercians.