votary

From Latin votus, past participle of vovere (“to vow, to devote”).

votary (comparative more votary, superlative most votary)

1. Consecrated by a vow or promise; consequent on a vow; devoted; promised.
   • Francis Bacon

     Votary resolution is made equipollent to custom.

votary (plural votaries)

1. (religion) A person, such as a monk or nun, who lives a religious life according to vows they have made
2. (religion) A devotee of a particular religion or cult
3. (religion) A devout or zealous worshipper
4. Someone who is devoted to a particular pursuit etc; an enthusiast.
   • 1893, Henry James, Collaboration

     He is such a votary of the modern that he was inevitably interested in the girl of the future and had matched one reform with another, being ready to marry without a penny, as the clearest way of expressing his appreciation, this favourable specimen of the type.

   • 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Chapter 13

     Gerty was dressed simply but with the instinctive taste of a votary of Dame Fashion for she felt that there was just a might that he might be out.

• travoy