proselyte

Proselyte, n.

Etymology: [OE. proselite, OF. proselite, F. proselytus, Gr.

A new convert especially a convert to some religion or religious sect, or to some particular opinion, system, or party; thus, a Gentile converted to Judaism, or a pagan converted to Christianity, is a proselyte. Ye [Scribes and Pharisees] compass sea and land to make one proselyte. Matt. xxiii. 15. Fresh confidence the speculatist takes From every harebrained proselyte he makes. Cowper.

Syn. -- See Convert.

1 other Webster entry under this spelling

Proselyte, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Proselyted; p. pr. & vb. n. Proselyting.]

To convert to some religion, opinion, or system; to bring over. Dr. H. More.

Shades of meaning

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

Where he writes about it:

A proselyte is one who has been led to accept a religious system, whether with or without true faith; a convert is always understood to be a believer. — from convert

Synonyms

convert disciple neophyte

Antonyms

none given

etymology Webster’s online