novitiationn.

1792 A. Radcliffe Sicilian Rom. II. 85 We will procure a dispensation from the usual forms of noviciation.

1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho IV. xvii. 395 It is probable, that the abbess, who did not preside in the convent, at the time of her noviciation, was also entirely ignorant of the truth.

1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. xi. 310 When this ceremony had concluded, another began; and he was told it was that of a noviciation.

2001 Times of India 23 June 10/6 Under the watchful eyes of Tha-gyar-min, it is also time for novitiations into the Buddha's Order of the San-gha.

1861 Harper's Mag. Mar. 570 John, though a good lawyer..was quite young, and a little green... He came into their presence fully impressed with their dignity, and trembling with the excitement of his novitiation.

1892 Harper's Mag. Nov. 890 Not that you are so cold, beautiful madame, but you require a period of novitiation from your lover.

1896 Overland Monthly Mar. 335 It is only by strenuous endeavor, by constant watchfulness, by long and patient novitiation, that we can ever rise to the level of the best.

1918 Amer. Econ. Rev. 8 311 Decreased production by the new worker... Rapid shifting of men perpetuates this period of novitiation with its greatly diminished productivity.

1995 Los Angeles Times (Nexis) 12 Mar. 17 Peter Griffin played blackjack in 1970... ‘After totaling up the losses of my brief novitiation,’ he later wrote jocularly, ‘I vowed revenge on the casinos.’