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

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

This monarch, father of Philippe-Auguste, fixed the number of peers of France, the great seigneurs who held directly from the crown, at twelve,—six laic and six ecclesiastical.

From Paris from the Earliest Period to the Present Day; Volume 1 by Walton, William

Luther himself, at the same time that he reserved to the new German church a certain measure of spontaneity and liberty, had placed it under the protection and preponderance of laic sovereigns.

From A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 4 by Black, Robert

The communal regimen was established in several towns, notably at St. Quentin and at Soissons, without trouble or violence, and with one accord amongst the laic and ecclesiastical lords and the inhabitants.

From A Popular History of France from the Earliest Times, Volume 2 by Black, Robert