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

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

From BBC

It was in these terms that Bonheur described herself in the interview: “Art is an absorbent — a tyrant. It demands heart, brain, soul, body, the entireness of his votary,” she said.

From New York Times

From the Revolution forward, as Cheney outlines, its votaries promoted the intellectual depth and known virtues of those with recognizable surnames and long family legacies.

From Washington Post

By seizing Kashmir, Modi has mollified votaries of Hindu nationalism and established himself as the father of what they proudly call the “New India.”

From Washington Post