Third Order

American  

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

1. a branch of a religious order whose members are lay people following the avocations of a secular life.

2. a member of a Third Order who follows its rule in the community under ordinary simple vows.

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Third Order British  

noun

1. RC Church a religious society of laymen affiliated to one of the religious orders and following a mitigated form of religious rule

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Example Sentences

“Normally, these elections would be of a second or third order of importance,” said Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at the Eurasia Group consultancy.

From New York Times

Betting big on a recovery in air travel and on the Boeing 737 MAX as the jet for its future, Alaska Airlines on Monday announced a firm order for a dozen more MAXs — its third order for the airplane since the Federal Aviation Administration ungrounded the jet in November.

From Seattle Times

He defended the government’s handling of the case, saying that the courts had twice overturned orders to deport Mr. Abayisenga before the fire, and that a third order could not be carried out because he was now facing trial.

From New York Times

Arrests were made after the third order, he said.

From Washington Times

But finally, a third order arrived.

From Seattle Times