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(), a.[OE. secular, seculer. L. saecularis, fr. saeculum a race, generation, age, the times, the world; perhaps akin to E. soul: cf. F. sculier.] 1. Coming or observed once in an age or a century. The secular year was kept but once a century. Addison. 2. Pertaining to an age, or the progress of ages, or to a long period of time; accomplished in a long progress of time; as, secular inequality; the secular refrigeration of the globe. 3. Of or pertaining to this present world, or to things not spiritual or holy; relating to temporal as distinguished from eternal interests; not immediately or primarily respecting the soul, but the body; worldly. New foes arise, Threatening to bind our souls with secular chains. Milton. 4. (Eccl.) Not regular; not bound by monastic vows or rules; not confined to a monastery, or subject to the rules of a religious community; as, a secular priest. He tried to enforce a stricter discipline and greater regard for morals, both in the religious orders and the secu Sec"ular n. 1. (Eccl.) A secular ecclesiastic, or one not bound by monastic rules. Burke. 2. (Eccl.) A church official whose functions are confined to the vocal department of the choir. Busby. 3. A layman, as distinguished from a clergyman. スポンサード リンク
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