A lavatorium, sometimes anglicised as 'lavatory' and also known as a laver, is the communal washing area in a monastery, particularly in a mediaeval monastic building or a cathedral with a cloister. Monks were required to wash before meals; thus the lavatorium was adjacent to the refectory.

A lavatorium, sometimes anglicised as 'lavatory' and also known as a laver, is the communal washing area in a monastery, particularly in a mediaeval monastic building or a cathedral with a cloister. Monks were required to wash before meals; thus the lavatorium was adjacent to the refectory.