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

It formed a related group for women, called the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, and an organization for lay people called Third Order.

From Washington Post • Feb. 16, 2020

They've since been removed by their order, the Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular, Province of the Immaculate Conception.

From US News • Mar. 18, 2016

Formerly known as the Third Order of St. Francis, it is an order within the Catholic Church for men and women, single and married, dedicated to the Franciscan way of life.

From Washington Times • Aug. 30, 2015

Walli joined the Third Order of St. Francis, choosing to live in poverty and serve the poor.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 28, 2015

At this day two Catholic Clergymen and a Convent of four Brothers and twelve Sisters—being a religious community, of the Third Order of St. Francis—are stationed at this place.

From Old Mackinaw The Fortress of the Lakes and its Surroundings by Strickland, W. P. (William Peter)