rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryacolyteReligious assistant
noun

acolyte

AK-uh-lite/ˈækəlaɪt/

An attendant who assists a religious official.

The acolyte holds the service book open for the priest.

An acolyte holds an open service book for a priest conducting Communion, making her assisting role visibly distinct from his officiating role.
Etymology
aGreektogether with
+colyteGreekway, path

The pieces convey 'having one way': an acolyte is someone who goes along the same path as another. This image became a follower or attendant, including an assistant in religious service.

In context

Libranima215:45
she gave a cake and a couple of eggs to a young acolyte who was a penman, and he wrote for her two letters
Don Quixote - Cervantes (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 4 of 4

More examples

  • Two acolytes help prepare the altar before the service.
  • The philosopher's young acolytes eagerly defend his new theory.
  • She began as an acolyte of the established political leader.

Forms

acolyte · acolytes

Similar words

attendant
Describes a helper without necessarily implying religious service.
disciple
Emphasizes following a teacher's beliefs rather than assisting ceremonies.