noun
acolyte
Acolyte (noun) means In the Catholic Church, a person ordained to the top minor order, tasked with carrying the wine, water and candles at Mass.
noun
1
In the Catholic Church, a person ordained to the top minor order, tasked with carrying the wine, water and candles at Mass.
2
An assistant who helps at the altar during a church service.
"The kneeling acolyte chimed a sacring-bell, and the congregation bent and swayed like a wheat-field swept scross by sudden wind."
— Attila Zohar, Kings Cross Black Magic (1965)
3
Someone who attends, helps or follows another person.
"“Apparently, one of Milius's acolytes spends a lot of time at the top of that huge, dangerous mountain. Better get climbing.” “(groans) Oh.”"
— Stephanie Amante-Ritter, The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel (2024)
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Etymology
Came into English from Middle English acolite, acolit, which traces back through Old French acolyt and Late Latin acolythus to Ancient Greek ἀκόλουθος (akólouthos, “follower, attendant”).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for acolyte
See all rhymes for acolyte →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of acolyte?
"acolyte" (noun) means in the Catholic Church, a person ordained to the top minor order, tasked with carrying the wine, water and candles at Mass.
What is another word for acolyte?
Other words for "acolyte" include sidekick.
What are the different meanings of acolyte?
"acolyte" has 3 main meanings: 1. In the Catholic Church, a person ordained to the top minor order, tasked with carrying the wine, water and candles at Mass; 2. An assistant who helps at the altar during a church service; 3. Someone who attends, helps or follows another person.
