n. [ LL. novitiatus: cf. F. noviciat. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
1. The state of being a novice; time of initiation or instruction in rudiments. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Hence: The time of probation in a religious house before taking the vows. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. One who is going through a novitiate, or period of probation; a novice. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. The place where novices live or are trained. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]