Acolyte
/ˈæk.ə.laɪt/noun
A person who assists a priest or minister in religious services, or a devoted follower.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek church language, where an akolouthos was a “follower,” and in early Christian use it became a specific rank of ritual assistant who served at the altar.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
akolouthos
“a follower; one who accompanies”
Late Greek / Early Christian
Greek
akolouthos
“a church attendant or ritual follower”
Late Latin
Latin
acolythus
“an acolyte, assistant in church service”
Old French
Old French
acolite
“a church assistant; attendant”
Middle English
English
acolyte
“a subordinate assistant in religious service”
Modern English
English
acolyte
“a person who assists a priest or minister, or a devoted follower”