from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Beghard \Be*ghard"\ Beguard \Be*guard"\, n. [F. b['e]gard,
b['e]guard; cf. G. beghard, LL. Beghardus, Begihardus,
Begardus. Prob. from the root of beguine + -ard or -hard. See
{Beguine}.] (Eccl. Hist.)
One of an association of religious laymen living in imitation
of the Beguines. They arose in the thirteenth century, were
afterward subjected to much persecution, and were suppressed
by Innocent X. in 1650. Called also Beguins.
[1913 Webster]