SuaviloquyToday’s word

neophyte

Neophyte, n.

Etymology: [L. neophytis, Gr. néophyte. See New, and Be.]

1. A new convert or proselyte; -- a name given by the early Christians, and still given by the Roman Catholics, to such as have recently embraced the Christian faith, and been admitted to baptism, esp. to converts from heathenism or Judaism.

2. A novice; a tyro; a beginner in anything.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for neophyte; he lists it under convert.

Where he writes about it:

A neophyte is a new convert, not yet fully indoctrinated, or not admitted to full privileges. — from convert

Antonyms

none given