votary

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a devoted follower, supporter, or practitioner of a cause, leader, or pursuit

   She was a lifelong votary of experimental theater.

2. 2
   noun

   a person bound by religious vows or devoted to the worship of a deity

   Each votary approached the shrine in silence.

3. 3
   adj

   consecrated, promised, or undertaken in fulfillment of a vow

   The chapel preserved a votary offering left by a medieval pilgrim.

From Latin votum ("vow"), related to vovere ("to vow or dedicate"), with the English suffix -ary. The religious sense of a person bound by vows broadened to any ardent devotee or follower.

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