arch.; also 8 acolothist. [f. med.L. acolyth-us + -IST.] By-form of ACOLYTE.

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1726.  Ayliffe, Parergon., 96. To ordain the Acolothist, to keep the Sacred Vessels, etc. Ibid., 184. The word Clerk is confin’d to the Seven Degrees … viz. the Ostiarius … the Acolythist, Reader, Exorcist, Sub-deacon, Deacon, and Presbyter.

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1751.  Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Acoluth, Among the ecclesiastical writers, the term Acolythus or Acolythist, is peculiarly applied to those young people, who in primitive times aspired to the ministry.

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1811.  Grant, Hist. Eng. Ch., I. 158. Two candlesticks for the acolythists.

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1844.  Lingard, Hist. A. S. Ch. (1858), I. iv. 133. Subordinate officers were required; and we soon meet … with … acolythists … these were ordained.

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