Votary
/ˈvoʊtəri/noun
A person devoted to a particular practice, belief, or cause; especially a devoted follower or adherent.
Did you know?Votary comes from Latin *votum* (“a vow, a solemn promise”), the same root behind *vote*, because both began as acts of binding public commitment, not casual opinion.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
votum
“a vow, promise, or solemn wish offered to a deity”
Late Latin
Latin
votarius
“pertaining to a vow; one bound by a vow”
Old French
Old French
votarie
“a person devoted to a religious practice or observance”
14th Century
English
votarie
“a devotee, especially of religion or a cause”
Modern English
English
votary
“a devoted follower or adherent”