Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Franciscan \Fran*cis"can\, a. [LL. Franciscus Francis: cf. F.
   franciscain.] (R. C. Ch.)
   Belonging to the Order of St. Francis of the Franciscans.

   {Franciscan Brothers}, pious laymen who devote themselves to
      useful works, such as manual labor schools, and other
      educational institutions; -- called also {Brothers of the
      Third Order of St. Francis}.

   {Franciscan Nuns}, nuns who follow the rule of t. Francis,
      esp. those of the Second Order of St. Francis, -- called
      also {Poor Clares} or {Minoresses}.

   {Franciscan Tertiaries}, the Third Order of St. Francis.

Franciscan \Fran*cis"can\, n. (R.C.Ch.)
   A monk or friar of the Order of St. Francis, a large and
   zealous order of mendicant monks founded in 1209 by St.
   Francis of Assisi. They are called also {Friars Minor}; and
   in England, {Gray Friars}, because they wear a gray habit.

Source : WordNet®

Franciscan
     adj : of or relating to Saint Francis of Assisi or to the order
           founded by him; "Franciscan monks"
     n : a Roman Catholic friar wearing the gray habit of the
         Franciscan order [syn: {Gray Friar}]