Neophyte
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Origin
Middle English, from Late Latin neophytus, from Greek neophytos, from neophytos newly planted, newly converted, from ne- + phyein to bring forth
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_century 14th Century]
Definitions
Description
A neophyte is a beginner. In the context of Christianity, the term often refers to a:
- New convert to the religion, in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches an adult convert is considered a neophyte for one year after conversion. Roman Catholic neophytes are considered full members of the Church, but may not act as sponsors for others planning to join,
- Newly ordained priest,
- Person who recently took a monastic vow.
In fraternities, it is a person that is a new convert or member of a secret fraternal organization, a beginner or novice member of the organization, or a recent convert (rookie/freshman) to the fraternal organization.
