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One versed in the laws, or a practitioner of law; one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients, or to advise as to prosecution or defence of lawsuits, or as to legal rights and obligations in other matters. It is a general term, comprehending attorneys, counselors, solicitors, barristers, sergeants, and advo…

Not belonging to, or emanating from, a particular profession; unprofessional; as, a lay opinion regarding the nature of a disease. Lay baptism (Eccl.), baptism administered by a lay person. F. G. Lee. -- Lay brother (R. C. Ch.), one received into a convent of monks under the three vows, but not in holy orders. -- Lay…

tion from the clergy; one of the laity; sometimes, a man not belonging to some particular profession, in distinction from those who do. Being a layman, I ought not to have concerned myself with speculations which belong to the profession. Dryden.

One who has a license to exercise a profession; as, a licentiate in medicine or theology. The college of physicians, in July, 1687, published an edict, requiring all the fellows, candidates, and licentiates, to give gratuitous advice to the neighboring poor. Johnson.

Versed in, or acquainted with, literature; occupied with literature as a profession; connected with literature or with men of letters; as, a literary man. In the literary as well as fashionable world. Mason. Literary property. (a) Property which consists in written or printed compositions. (b) The exclusive right of pu…

The occupation, profession, or business of doing literary work. Lamp.

ife; maintenance. The opportunities of gaining an honest livelihood. Addison. It is their profession and livelihood to get their living by practices for which they deserve to forfeit their lives. South.

death for adhering to some belief, esp. Christianity; to sacrifice on account of faith or profession. Bp. Pearson.

aving to do with, the art of healing disease, or the science of medicine; as, the medical profession; medical services; a medical dictionary; medical jurisprudence.

of a minister, servant, or agent; ecclesiastical, executive, or ambassadorial function or profession.

To make a false profession; to make pretensions to skill which is not possessed.

A person who poses as a pattern to an artist. A professional model. H. James. Working model, a model of a machine which can do on a small scale the work which the machine itself does, or expected to do.

A combination of distinct colors; esp., the party-colored cloth, or clothing, worn by the professional fool. Chaucer. "Motley 's the only wear." Shak.

ame, whether received at baptism or not. -- Given name. See under Given. -- In name, in profession, or by title only; not in reality; as, a friend in name. -- In the name of. (a) In behalf of; by the authority of. " I charge you in the duke's name to obey me." Shak.

An entertainment consisting chiefly of dancing by professional dancing (or Nautch) girls. [India]

osoever appertain to the visible body of the church, they have also the notes of external profession. Hooker. She [the Anglican church] has the note of possession, the note of freedom from party titles,the note of life -- a tough life and a vigorous. J. H. Newman. What a note of youth, of imagination, of impulsive eage…

One who is new in any business, profession, or calling; one unacquainted or unskilled; one yet in the rudiments; a beginner; a tyro. I am young; a novice in the trade. Dryden.

which is thrown away as worthless or unfit for use; refuse; rubbish. The off als of other profession. South.

tious; boastful. Far from being ostentatious of the good you do. Dryden. The ostentatious professions of many years. Macaulay. -- Os`ten*ta"tious*ly, adv. -- Os`ten*ta"tious*ness, n.

The theory or practice of the medical profession; -- used in burlesque or ridicule.