apostle
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //əˈpɑsəɫ// UK //ɐpˈɒsəl// apos·tle
n. a person who spreads a particular belief or idea, especially one of the twelve main followers of Jesus.
n. a principal follower or disciple of a religious leader; specifically, one of the twelve chosen by Jesus. By extension, an enthusiastic advocate of a cause.
He is an apostle of modern art.
The twelve apostles were chosen to spread the teachings of Jesus across the region.
As an apostle of free-market economics, he argued passionately for deregulation in every policy debate.
From Middle English apostle, from Old French apostle, from Late Latin apostolus, from Ancient Greek ἀπόστολος (apóstolos, “one sent forth, apostle”). Merged with Old English apostol, borrowing from the same Latin source.
See apostil.