laic
|la-ic|
/ˈleɪ.ɪk/
not clerical; of the people
Etymology
'laic' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'laicus', where 'laicus' derives from Greek 'laikos' meaning 'of the people'.
'laic' changed from Greek 'laikos' to Late Latin 'laicus', passed into Medieval Latin and Old French (laic), and entered Middle English as 'laik'/'laic', eventually becoming the modern English 'laic'.
Initially it meant 'of the people' (belonging to the people rather than the clergy), and over time it came to mean specifically 'not clerical' or 'secular' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is not a member of the clergy; a layperson.
He remained a laic throughout his life, never joining the clergy.
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Adjective 1
not clerical; secular; relating to the laity rather than the clergy.
They supported laic education, keeping schools independent of church control.
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Last updated: 2026/01/12 01:31