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.]