votary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun one bound by vows to a religion or life of worship or service
    • monasteries of votaries
  2. noun a priest or priestess (or consecrated worshipper) in a non-Christian religion or cult
    • a votary of Aphrodite
  3. noun a devoted (almost religiously so) adherent of a cause or person or activity
    • the cultured votary of science

WordNet

Vo"ta*ry adjective
Etymology
From L. votus, p. p. vovere to vow, to devote. See Vote, Vow.
Definitions
  1. Consecrated by a vow or promise; consequent on a vow; devoted; promised.
    Votary resolution is made equipollent to custom. Bacon.
Vo"ta*ry noun
Wordforms
plural Votaries
Definitions
  1. One devoted, consecrated, or engaged by a vow or promise; hence, especially, one devoted, given, or addicted, to some particular service, worship, study, or state of life. "You are already love's firm votary." Shak.
    'T was coldness of the votary, not the prayer, that was in fault. Bp. Fell.
    But thou, my votary, weepest thou? Emerson.

Webster 1913