Nun (?), n. [OE. nunne, AS. nunne, fr. L. nonna nun, nonnus monk; cf. Gr. , ; of unknown origin. Cf. Nunnery.]
1.
A woman devoted to a religious life, who lives in a convent, under the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
They holy time is quiet as a nun
Breathless with adoration.
Wordsworth.
2. Zool. (a)
A white variety of domestic pigeons having a veil of feathers covering the head.
(b)
The smew.
(c)
The European blue titmouse.
Gray nuns R. C. Ch., the members of a religious order established in Montreal in 1745, whence branches were introduced into the United States in 1853; -- so called from the color or their robe, and known in religion as Sisters of Charity of Montreal. -- Nun buoy. See under Buoy.
© Webster 1913.