Definition

Noun: * A long, loose, and typically black or white garment worn by nuns as their distinctive religious dress. It is the traditional uniform of many Christian religious orders for women, symbolizing their vows and separation from secular life.

Usage

The term "nun's habit" refers specifically to the complete, traditional religious attire of a nun. It is a countable noun. * The museum displayed a nun's habit from the 18th century. * She took her final vows and was clothed in the nun's habit. * The simple design of the nun's habit represents a life of poverty and service.

Advanced Usage

• "To take the habit": This is a historical and formal phrase meaning to become a nun, to enter religious life.
  • At the age of nineteen, she decided to take the habit.

Variants and Related Words

• Habit (noun): When used alone in a religious context, it can refer to the distinctive dress of any religious person, including monks and nuns. The phrase "nun's habit" specifies the wearer.
  • The monk's habit was made of coarse brown wool.
• Wimple (noun): A cloth headdress covering the head, neck, and sides of the face, worn as part of a nun's habit.
• Veil (noun): A piece of fine material worn to cover the head, often part of a nun's habit.

Synonyms

• Religious habit
• Nun's attire
• Conventual dress

Notes on Meaning

The "nun's habit" is a specific type of religious garment. The core word "habit" in this context does not relate to the more common meaning of "a usual way of behaving" but derives from the Latin habitus meaning "dress" or "attire."

Noun

1. a long loose habit worn by nuns in a convent