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Webster 1913 Edition


Laity

La′i-ty

(lā′ĭ-ty̆)
,
Noun.
[See
Lay
,
Adj.
]
1.
The people, as distinguished from the clergy; the body of the people not in orders.
A rising up of the
laity
against the sacerdotal caste.
Macaulay.
2.
The state of a layman.
[Obs.]
Ayliffe.
3.
Those who are not of a certain profession, as law or medicine, in distinction from those belonging to it.

Webster 1828 Edition


Laity

LA'ITY

,
Noun.
[Gr. people. See Laic.]
1.
The people, as distinguished from the clergy; the body of the people not in orders.
2.
The state of a layman, or of not being in orders. [Not used.]