apostle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an ardent early supporter of a cause or reform

   an apostle of revolution

2. 2
   noun

   A pioneer or early advocate of a particular cause, prophet of a belief.

   [W]e must remember what ruthless and utter destruction our own species has wrought, not only upon animals, such as the vanished bison and the dodo, but upon its own inferior races. The Tasmanians, in spite of their human likeness, were entirely swept out of existence in a war of extermination waged by European immigrants, in the space of fifty years. Are we such apostles of mercy as to complain if the Martians warred in the same spirit?

3. 3
   noun

   A missionary, or leader of a religious mission, especially one in the early Christian Church (but see Apostle).

4. 4
   noun

   A top-ranking ecclesiastical official in the twelve seat administrative council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

5. 5
   noun

   A person who is plucked, that is, refused an academic degree.

6. 6
   noun

   A letter dismissory.

7. 7
   noun

   A note sent to an appeals court presenting the appeal in summary.

8. 8
   noun

   The trial court record sent to an appeal court concerning an appeal.

Etymology

From Middle English apostle, from Old French apostle, from Late Latin apostolus, from Ancient Greek ἀπόστολος (apóstolos, “one sent forth, apostle”). Merged with Old English apostol, borrowing from the same Latin source.