Nūn, n.

n. [A-S., Dan., & M. H. Ger. nunne, Sw. nunna, O. H. Ger. nunnā, N. H. Ger. nonne, D. non, Fr. nonne, nonnain, Pr. nonne, from Lat. nonna, nun, nonnus, monk, late Gr. νόννα, νόννος, from Coptic or Egypt. nane, nonna, good, beautiful.]

1Sense 1. A woman devoted to a religious life, who lives in a cloister or nunnery, secluded from the world, under a vow of perpetual chastity.

The holy time is quiet as a nun. Breathless with adoration. — Wordsworth.

2Sense 2. A kind of small pigeon.

Black nun, a nun who wears a black veil. — Gray nuns (Rom. Cath. Church), 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 of their robe, and known in religion as Sisters of Charity of Montreal. Their occupations are the care of the aged and infirm, and of foundlings, and the instruction of children. — White nun (Ornith.), the smew; also, the blue titmouse (Parus cæruleus).