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.

4.

The place where novices live or are trained.

[R.]

 

© Webster 1913.