Obs. [Cf. prec.]
1. Of persons: Consecrated by a vow; devoted to a religious life.
1564. Brief Exam., B iv b. The salarie … consecrated … to theyr holy votaries virgins.
1611. Speed, Theat. Gt. Brit., xix. (1614), 27/2. Elie, had in account for the repute and holinesse of votary-nunnes there residing.
1656. Artif. Handsom., 122. Having designed her daughter to be a votary virgin.
b. Of mode of life: Subject to vows.
1642. (title) The English Nunne, being a Dialogue, wherein the Author endeavoureth to draw young and unmarried Catholike Gentlewomen to embrace a Votary and Religious Life.
2. Of the nature of a vow.
1582. Stanyhurst, Æneis, IV. (Arb.), 95. Had not I foresnaffled my mynde by votarye promise … Haplye this oane faulty trespas might bring me toe bending.
1607–12. Bacon, Ess., Custom & Educ. (Arb.), 368. Onely Supersticion is now so well advaunced that … votarie resolucion is made equipollent to Custome.
