amongst the Catholics, those pious but illiterate persons who at some convent devote themselves to the service of the religious. They wear a different habit from that of the religious, but never enter into the choir, nor are present at the chapters; nor do they make any vow except those of constancy and obedience. In the numeraries there are also lay-sisters.

LAY-Man, one who follows a secular employment, and has not entered into holy orders.