from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
nun \nun\ (n[u^]n), n. [OE. nunne, AS. nunne, fr. L. nonna nun,
nonnus monk; cf. Gr. ?, ?; of unknown origin. Cf. {Nunnery}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. A woman devoted to a religious life, who lives in a
convent, under the three vows of poverty, chastity, and
obedience.
[1913 Webster]
They holy time is quiet as a nun
Breathless with adoration. --Wordsworth.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
{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}.
[1913 Webster]