Postulant - Definition and Overview

A Postulant (from the Latin postulare, to ask) was originally one who makes a request or demand; hence, a candidate. Its use is now generally restricted to those asking for admission into a monastery, both before actual admission and for the length of time proceeding their admission into the novitiate. The term is more common in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches; the Orthodox tend to avoid Latin terminology.

The length of time that a prospective monastic remains a postulant may vary depending on the monastery, the particular monastic order, or the postulant's individual situation. During this time, the postulant generally participates as fully as possible in the life of the community, joining the novices and professed monks for work and prayer. Since typically no vows are taken at this stage, it is easier for a person not fully certain about the monastic life to reexamine their intentions and commitment before taking vows as a novice.

This article incorporates text from the public domain 1913 Webster's Dictionary.