noun
Chiefly in plural. A member of a Roman Catholic lay congregation having St Alexius as its patron, which was founded in Flanders in the 14th century and devotes itself to caring for the sick.
adjective
Of, belonging to, or designating this congregation.
Origin
Mid 18th century. From post-classical Latin Alexiani, plural from the name of St. Alexius (also Alexis), the congregation's probably legendary patron saint + -ani.
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