[Cf. next and -IST.] One bound by a vow; a devotee, a votary.
1603. Shaks., Meas. for M., I. v. 5. Wishing a more strict restraint Vpon the Sisterhood, the Votarists of Saint Clare.
a. 1639. Spottiswood, Hist. Ch. Scot., I. (1677), 12. Divers Virgins … did in like sort apply themselves to the solitary life; not as the Votarists did that in after-times rose up, for they did not bind themselves by vows.
1656. S. Holland, Zara (1719), 44. I believe the Lady … is of too noble … a temper to welcome her Votarist with an affront.
1782. Eliz. Carter, Lett. (1809), IV. 322. One of the nuns was kneeling very near the grate…. If one of our fine drest ladies had been placed near this charming votarist [etc.].
1783. R. Cumberland, Anecd. Emin. Painters, I. 60. In the fore ground of the groupe of Bachanals there is a young female votarist asleep.
1813. Shelley, Q. Mab, Notes v. 189. The language of the votarist is this.
1844. R. P. Ward, Chatsworth, II. 188. Like a spotless heifer … surrounded by the proud priests and senseless votarists in whose sight … it is presently to die.
1869. Browning, Ring & Bk., VII. 1506. So kneels a votarist, Weeds some poor waste traditionary plot Where shrine once was.
transf. 1806. H. Siddons, Maid, Wife, & Widow, II. 187. He is but a lukewarm votarist in the cause of truth and virtue, if he is to be thus ridiculed out of his integrity.
1831. W. Godwin, Thoughts Man, 202. There is still further advantage that belongs to the poet and the votarist of polite literature, which ought to be mentioned.
