/noh vish"ee it, -ayt'/ , n.
1. the state or period of being a novice of a religious order or congregation.
2. the quarters occupied by religious novices during probation.
3. the state or period of being a beginner in anything.
4. a novice.
Also, noviciate .
[ 1590-1600; noviti ( us ) NOVICE + -atus -ATE 3 ]