Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Novitiate
No-vi′ti-ate
,Noun.
[LL.
novitiatus
: cf. F. noviciat
.] 1.
The state of being a novice; time of initiation or instruction in rudiments.
2.
Hence:
The time of probation in a religious house before taking the vows.
3.
One who is going through a novitiate, or period of probation; a novice.
Addison.
4.
The place where novices live or are trained.
[R.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Novitiate
NOVI'TIATE
,Noun.
1.
The state or time or learning rudiments.2.
In religious houses, a year or other time of probation for the trial of a noveice, to determine whether he has the necessary qualities for living up to the rule to which his vow is to bind him.