apostle

English

/əˈpɑsl̩/, /əˈpɒs(ə)l/

noun
Definitions
  • A missionary, or leader of a religious mission, especially one in the early Christian Church (but see Apostle).
  • A pioneer or early advocate of a particular cause, prophet of a belief.
  • A top-ranking ecclesiastical official in the twelve seat administrative council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • (obsolete) A person who is plucked, that is, refused an academic degree.

Etymology

Borrowed from Old French apostle derived from Latin apostolus derived from Ancient Greek ἀπόστολος (one sent forth, apostle, messenger, ambassador, one who is sent, envoy, Apostle) inherited from Old English apostol.

Origin

Old English

apostol

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

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Cognates and derived terms