THE FIRST WORD

votary

PRONUNCIATION:

(VOH-tuh-ree) 

MEANING:

noun: 1. One who is devoted to an activity, person, institution, etc.
noun: 2. One who has taken vows to a religion, such as a monk or nun.
adjective: Bound by a vow or relating to a vow.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin votum (vow), from vovere (to vow), which also gave us vow, vote, and devote. Earliest documented use: 1546.

USAGE:

"The issue has been a matter of debate with strong votaries on both sides."
Road to Basel; Financial Express (New Delhi, India); May 4, 2012.