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. (Zoöl.) (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.