laic

American  

[ley-ik] / ˈleɪ ɪk /

adjective

1. Also laical. lay; secular.

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noun

1. one of the laity.

laic British  

/ ˈleɪɪk /

adjective

1. of or involving the laity; secular

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noun

1. a rare word for layman

Other Word Forms

• laically
  adverb
• laicism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of laic

1555–65; < Late Latin lāicus < Greek lāikós of the people, equivalent to lā ( ós ) people + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

It's about what philosophical measures have to be taken to impose a powerful laic republic, unifying all.

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2015

There is no distinction between laic and cleric in Islam.

From The Moors in Spain by Lane-Poole, Stanley

I have some knowledge of this because Signor Senator Marzi-Medici, who presides over the laic government of this town for our Most Serene Grand Duke, has told me all.

From The Old Yellow Book Source of Robert Browning's The Ring and the Book by Anonymous

My Son," had the worthy father said to him, "thou goest out in the world as a laic.

From Klytia A Story of Heidelberg Castle by Hausrath, Adolf

The laic has also five lesser vows: not to kill, not to lie, not to steal, not to commit adultery or fornication, to be content with little.

From The Religions of India Handbooks on the History of Religions, Volume 1, Edited by Morris Jastrow by Hopkins, Edward Washburn