Secular equation
(Astron.),
the algebraic or numerical expression of the magnitude of the inequalities
in a planet's motion that remain after the inequalities of a short period have been allowed for. — Secular
games (Rom. Antiq.), games celebrated, at long but irregular intervals, for three days and nights, with
sacrifices, theatrical shows, combats, sports, and the like. — Secular music, any music or songs
not adapted to sacred uses. — Secular hymn or poem, a hymn or poem composed for the secular
games, or sung or rehearsed at those games.
Secular
(Sec"u*lar), 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.
Secularism
(Sec"u*lar*ism) n.
1. The state or quality of being secular; a secular spirit; secularity.
2. The tenets or principles of the secularists.
Secularist
(Sec"u*lar*ist), n. One who theoretically rejects every form of religious faith, and every kind
of religious worship, and accepts only the facts and influences which are derived from the present life; also,
one who believes that education and other matters of civil policy should be managed without the introduction
of a religious element.
Secularity
(Sec`u*lar"i*ty) n. [Cf.F. sécularité, LL. saecularitas.] Supreme attention to the things of the
present life; worldliness.
A secularity of character which makes Christianity and its principal doctrines distasteful or unintelligible.
I. Taylor. Secularization
(Sec`u*lar*i*za"tion) n. [Cf. F. sécularisation.] The act of rendering secular, or the state
of being rendered secular; conversion from regular or monastic to secular; conversion from religious to lay
or secular possession and uses; as, the secularization of church property.
Secularize
(Sec"u*lar*ize) v. t. [imp. & p. p. Secularized ; p. pr. & vb. n. Secularizing ] [Cf. F.
séculariser.]
1. To convert from regular or monastic into secular; as, to secularize a priest or a monk.
2. To convert from spiritual to secular or common use; as, to secularize a church, or church property.
At the Reformation the abbey was secularized.
W. Coxe. 3. To make worldly or unspiritual. Bp. Horsley.
Secularly
(Sec"u*lar*ly), adv. In a secular or worldly manner.
Secularness
(Sec"u*lar*ness), n. The quality or state of being secular; worldliness; worldly-mindedness.
Secund
(Se"cund) a. [L. secundus following the course or current of wind or water. See Second, a.]
(Bot.) Arranged on one side only, as flowers or leaves on a stalk. Gray.
Secundate
(Se*cun"date) v. t. [L. secundatus, p. p. of secundare to direct favorably.] To make prosperous.
[R.]