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What is "gray nuns"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Gray nuns

nun \nun\ (n[u^]n), 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.)

    1. A white variety of domestic pigeons having a veil of feathers covering the head.

    2. The smew.

    3. 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.

Usage examples of "gray nuns".

Lawrence owned for generations by the gray nuns, but recently colonized by an order of Yuppies.

AWOL from the wars within my house, I spent increasing lengths of time engaging the tutelage of the Gray Nuns after class or ensconcing myself in the library, where I began to realize the precocity of my mind and the rewards it would bring to me.