1. The general public, as opposed to clergy: This is the most common meaning of "laity" in literature. It refers to ordinary people who are not members of the clergy or religious orders. Examples:
* "The priest was well-loved by the laity, who appreciated his kind and compassionate nature." Here, "laity" refers to the regular parishioners of the church.
* "The author's work was embraced by the laity, who found its themes relatable and insightful." This usage refers to the general public who read the author's books.
2. Laypeople who are not professionals in a particular field: This meaning is less common than the first but can be found in some literature. It refers to people who are not experts or specialists in a specific field, such as law, medicine, or art. Examples:
* "The judge listened patiently as the lay witness recounted his version of events." Here, "lay witness" refers to someone who is not a legal professional and is simply offering testimony.
* "The art critic's review was highly critical of the artist's work, which he considered to be amateurish and lacking in sophistication. The laity, however, found the art to be refreshing and engaging." In this example, "laity" refers to the general public who are not art experts and have a different perspective on the art.
3. A specific group or body within a profession or organization: This usage is less common but can be used to refer to a group of people who are not clergy or professionals but are involved in a particular organization or profession. Example:
* "The laity of the organization held a meeting to discuss their concerns about the upcoming changes." Here, "laity" refers to the members of the organization who are not part of the professional leadership.
It's important to consider the context of the literature you are reading to determine the specific meaning of "laity" in that instance.