lay sister

noun

1. a woman who has taken religious vows and habit but is employed in her order chiefly in manual labor.

lay sister

noun

1. a woman 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 sister¹

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

Such things had happened before in the community, and the lay sister was not surprised.

From Project Gutenberg

Ten minutes after, two nuns and a lay sister entered and installed themselves in the house.

From Project Gutenberg

"Sister Maria Addolorata may then rest a little," answered the lay sister, who rarely spoke.

From Project Gutenberg

The lay-sister retired as noiselessly as she had come, and Mother Gertrude closed her book.

From Project Gutenberg

With the assistance of the lay-sister, Beatrice effected her escape from the building, and joined me outside the walls.

From Project Gutenberg