1. Monastery: This is the most common meaning, as "moutier" is the Old French word for "monastery." This meaning is still relevant today, as many places with "Moutier" in their name are historically linked to monasteries, such as Moutier-Grandval in Switzerland.
2. Abbey: This meaning is closely related to "monastery," but it typically refers to a larger and more significant religious community.
3. Mill: Less common, but "Moutier" can also refer to a mill, particularly a watermill, due to the historical association of monasteries with water-powered mills.
4. Surname: "Moutier" is also a common surname in French-speaking regions, and it could simply be a place name indicating origin or an occupational name relating to a monastery or mill.
It's important to note that the specific meaning of "Moutier" in a particular context depends on the specific word or phrase it's used in. If you provide me with more information about the situation where you encountered the name, I can help you determine its most likely meaning.