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. (Zoöl.) (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.
Nun"chion (?), n. [OE. nonechenche, for noneschenche, prop., a noon
drink; none noon + schenchen, schenken, skinken, to pour, AS. scencan.
See Noon, and Skink, v. i.] A portion of food taken at or after noon,
usually between full meals; a luncheon. [Written also noonshun.]
Hudibras.
Nun"ci*ate (?), n. One who announces; a messenger; a nuncio. [Obs.]
Hoole.
Nun"ci*a*ture (?), n. [L. nunciare, nuntiare, to announce, report, fr.
nuncius, nuntius, messenger: cf. F. nonciature, It. nunziatura. See
Nuncio.] The office of a nuncio. Clarendon.
Nun"ci*o (?), n.; pl. Nuncios (#). [It. nunzio, nuncio, fr. L. nuncius,
nuntius, messenger; perh. akin to novus new, E. new, and thus, one who
brings news. Cf. Announce.]