Nun \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. (Zo["o]l.)
   (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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)