Noun
lay brother (plural lay brothers or lay brethren)
(Christianity) A layman who is a member of a religious congregation or monastic order without the intention to become a priest.
Synonym: conversus
In feudal days lay brothers were usually uneducated commoners, who did most menial, manual labor while the learned priestly monks held the more spiritual jobs.
lay brother
John of St. Samson, a blind lay brother whose spiritual direction was highly regarded by many. Source: Internet
The hermit makes his needs known to the lay brother by means of a note, requesting items such as a fresh loaf of bread, which will be kept in the cell for eating with several meals. Source: Internet