Disciple, n.
Etymology: [OE. disciple, deciple, OF. disciple, fr. L. discipulus, fr. discere to learn (akin to docere to teach; see Docile) + prob. a root meaning to turn or drive, as in L. pellere to drive (see Pulse).]
One who receives instruction from another; a scholar; a learner; especially, a follower who has learned to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher; an adherent in doctrine; as, the disciples of Plato; the disciples of our Savior. The disciples, or The twelve disciples, the twelve selected companions of Jesus; -- also called the apostles. -- Disciples of Christ. See Christian, n., 3, and Campbellite.
Syn. -- Learner; scholar; pupil; follower; adherent.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Disciple, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Discipled; p. pr. & vb. n. Discipling.]
1. To teach; to train. [Obs.] That better were in virtues discipled. Spenser.
2. To punish; to discipline. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
3. To make disciples of; to convert to doctrines or principles. [R.] Sending missionaries to disciple all nations. E. D. Griffin.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for disciple; he lists it under adherent, convert, scholar.
Where he writes about it:
The adherent depends more on his individual judgment, the disciple is more subject to command and instruction; thus we say the disciples rather than the adherents of Christ. — from adherent
The name disciple is given to the follower of a certain faith, without reference to any previous belief or allegiance; a convert is a person who has come to one faith from a different belief or from unbelief. — from convert
For disciple, etc., compare synonyms for adherent. — from scholar