Disciple

Dis*ci"ple, 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.

Dis*ci"ple (?), n. [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.