Final answer:
The cloister is the covered courtyard in a monastery for secluded meditation and prayer by monks and nuns, typically surrounding an open space with a covered walkway.
Step-by-step explanation:
The covered courtyard in a monastery where monks and nuns prayed and meditated in quiet seclusion is known as the cloister. This area, often central to the monastic complex, is an open space surrounded by a covered walkway, enabling the religious community to engage in contemplation and movement protected from the elements. Historical examples of cloisters show their importance not only as spaces of spiritual practice but also as architectural features that enhanced the self-sufficiency and economic power of monasteries through periods of prayer, study, and useful work.