votary

American  

[voh-tuh-ree] / ˈvoʊ tə ri /

noun

plural

votaries

1. a person who is bound by solemn religious vows, as a monk or a nun.

2. an adherent of a religion or cult; a worshiper of a particular deity or sacred personage.

3. a person who is devoted or addicted to some subject or pursuit.

   a votary of jazz.

   Synonyms:

   devotee, admirer, fan, buff

4. a devoted follower or admirer.

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adjective

1. consecrated by a vow.

2. of or relating to a vow.

votary British  

/ ˈvəʊtərɪ /

noun

1. RC Church Eastern Churches a person, such as a monk or nun, who has dedicated himself or herself to religion by taking vows

2. a devoted adherent of a religion, cause, leader, pursuit, etc

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adjective

1. ardently devoted to the services or worship of God, a deity, or a saint

Other Word Forms

• votaress noun

Etymology

Origin of votary

1540–50; < Latin vōt ( um ) a vow + -ary

Example Sentences

“He was a colossus, a true votary of ahimsa,” Lal wrote, “and a very compassionate man.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2024

But Asha Devi, a huge votary of capital punishment, insists that it was justified.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2022

Shakespeare’s private idolatry, his not so secret votary worship, is the Goddess of Love.

From The Guardian • Apr. 18, 2016

In one chapter he takes his bearings from the watercolourist Eric Ravilious, "a votary of whiteness and remoteness, and a visionary of the everyday".

From The Guardian • May 31, 2012

As the fan blew upon it, the flame of the votary candle swayed and flickered.

From "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez