Note: The order was first limited in numbers, and its members
were bound by vows of chastity and poverty. After the
conquest of Palestine by the Saracens, the Templars
spread over Europe, and, by reason of their reputation
for valor and piety, they were enriched by numerous
donations of money and lands. The extravagances and
vices of the later Templars, however, finally led to
the suppression of the order by the Council of Vienne
in 1312.
2. A student of law, so called from having apartments in the
Temple at London, the original buildings having belonged
to the Knights Templars. See {Inner Temple}, and {Middle
Temple}, under {Temple}. [Eng.]
3. One belonged to a certain order or degree among the
Freemasons, called Knights Templars. Also, one of an order
among temperance men, styled Good Templars.
Solitary, family, and templar devotion. --Coleridge.