acolyte

[ ak-uh-lahyt ]

noun

1. an altar attendant in public worship.
2. Roman Catholic Church.
   1. a member of the highest-ranking of the four minor orders.
   2. the order itself. Compare exorcist ( def 2 ), lector ( def 2 ), ostiary ( def 1 ).
3. any attendant, assistant, or follower.

acolyte

/ ˈækəˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a follower or attendant
2. Christianity an officer who attends or assists a priest

Word History and Origins

Origin of acolyte¹

1275–1325; Middle English acolite < Medieval Latin acolytus < Greek akólouthos follower, attendant, equivalent to a- prefix denoting association + -kolouthos, variant of kéleuthos road, journey

Word History and Origins

Origin of acolyte¹

C16: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Greek akolouthos a follower

Example Sentences

Dating to Jan. 6, 2021, when he rallied thousands of his most fervent acolytes and urged them to march on the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet they may feel vindicated even if Trump loses narrowly to Harris but his acolytes erupt in litigious, violent and protracted fashion.

From Salon

His intent to dramatically reorganise the federal bureaucracy could replace career civil service employees with political acolytes.

From BBC

But, as Harris's speech should remind us, the crybaby antics and self-victimization are just a cover for what Trump and his acolytes want, which is far more serious than insincere flattery.

From Salon

It was clear from overheard conversations that Trump’s acolytes were gleeful at the prospect of inconveniencing the Democratic residents of New York.

From Salon

Related Words

• follower