Nun (?), n. [OE.
nunne, AS. nunne, fr. L. nonna nun, nonnus monk; cf. Gr. &?;, &?;; of unknown origin. Cf. Nunnery.]
1. A woman devoted to a
religious life, who lives in
a convent, under the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
They holy time is quiet
as a nun
Breathless with adoration.
Wordsworth. 2. (Zoöl.) (a) A white variety of domestic pigeons having a veil of
feathers covering the head. (b)
The smew. (c) The European blue titmouse.
Gray
nuns (R. C. Ch.), the members of a
religious order
established in Montreal in 1745, whence branches were introduced
into the United States in 1853; -- so called from the color or
their robe, and known in
religion as Sisters of Charity of
Montreal. -- Nun buoy. See under Buoy.
Hear it pronounced