layman

Definition

Layperson, someone who is not an ordained cleric or member of the clergy.

Etymology

From Middle English layman, lay man, equivalent to lay (“non-clergy”) + man. Cognate with Old Frisian lēkmann, lēkmonn (“layman”), obsolete Dutch leekeman (“layman”), Old High German leihman (“layman”), Danish lægmand (“layman”), Swedish lekman (“layman”), Norwegian lekmann (“layman”), Icelandic leikmaður (“layman”).

Example Sentences

• "Carmen is not a professional anthropologist, but strictly a layman."
• "Let me explain it to you [[in layman's terms|in layman's terms]]."
• "The layman, perhaps, is not fully aware to what extent even the popular reputations of scientists and scholars are made by that class and are inevitably affected by its views on subjects which have little to do with the merits of the real achievements."

Related Words