No*vi"ti*ate (?), n. [LL. novitiatus: cf. F. noviciat.]

1. The state of being a novice; time of initiation or instruction in

rudiments.

2. Hence: 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.