Frauenstift

Frauenstift or a Jomfrukloster was the name for a secular Abbey of nuns, normally of noble families. They could often be a Protestant abbey. A Frauenstift was meant for the support and sometime living quarters for unmarried women from the nobility, who had not married a member of the nobility and could not marry outside of their social class. The members did not make any absolute vows, but would have the income from the abbey and sometime live in it. They could also leave it to marry if they wished.