Disciple

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dɪˈsaɪpəɫ/

Origin

From Old English discipul, from Latin discipulus ("a pupil, learner"), from discere ("to learn"); akin to docere ("to teach"). Later influenced or superceded in Middle English by Old French deciple.

Full definition of disciple

Noun

1. A person who learns from another, especially one who then teaches others.
2. An active follower or adherent of someone, or some philosophy etc.
• 1922, Ben Travers, A Cuckoo in the Nest Chapter 4, By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect.
3. (Ireland) Miserable-looking creature of a man.

Related terms

• discipleship
• disciplic
• discipline

Synonyms

• student

Verb

1. (obsolete) To train, educate, teach.
• 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, IV.i:fraile youth is oft to follie led,
  Through false allurement of that pleasing baite,
  That better were in vertues discipled ....