lay brother

noun

1. a man who has taken religious vows and habit but is employed by his order chiefly in manual labor.

lay brother

noun

1. a man who has taken the vows of a religious order but is not ordained and not bound to divine office

Word History and Origins

Origin of lay brother¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

We must have been traveling the regular Baptist road, for we lodged that night at the house of another lay brother.

From Project Gutenberg

Trithemius noticed the young lay-brother who seemed so interested in study, and occasionally gave him a word of encouragement.

From Project Gutenberg

The lay brother trembling, replied, "God save you; for me, I can do nothing."

From Project Gutenberg

The lay-brother stood meek and silent, with his arms still crossed in front of him.

From Project Gutenberg

To facilitate and complete his instructions, they had him admitted amongst them, as a convert or lay-brother.

From Project Gutenberg