The Cistercian order is a Catholic religious order of monks and nuns founded in 1098. The term Cistercian refers to the monks of the order, who are also known as 'White Monks' due to their white habits. The Cistercians are also known as Trappists, which is derived from the French word for 'monastery of the Trappe'. The Trappists are a branch of the Cistercian order that follows a stricter rule of life than other Cistercians. The Cistercians and Trappists are both monastic orders, meaning they live a life of prayer and contemplation.