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

Like most supernatural virtues, it has a laic shadow; the counsel to abstain, and to be unsolicitous, is one not only of perfection, but also of polity.

From Modern Essays by Ayres, Harry Morgan

It is all interesting even to a non-artistic laic, for there is much "dry point" of general application in the Professor's lectures.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 102, February 20, 1892 by Various

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

Touching my peers, it is but necessary to say, that Mistress Martha Trapbois will none of them, whether clerical or laic.

From The Fortunes of Nigel by Scott, Walter, Sir