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Bonzes, (2)

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priests of Buddha or Fo, particularly in Japan. They live together in monasteries under a vow of celibacy, and the system agrees in many respects with that of the Romanists. They do penance, and pray for the sins of the laity, who secure them from want by endowments and alms. The female bonzes may be compared to the Christian nuns, as the religion of Fo admits of no priestesses, but allows of the social union of pious virgins and widows, under monastic vows, for the performance of religious exercises.- Buck, Theolog. Dictionary, s.v. (See BUDDHISM); (See CHINA); seE JAPAN.