Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Disciple
Dis·ci′ple (dĭs·sī′p'l), n. [OE. disciple, deciple, OF. disciple, fr. L. discipulus, fr. discere to learn (akin to docere to teach; see Docile) + prob. a root meaning to turn or drive, as in L. pellere to drive (see Pulse).] One who receives instruction from another; a scholar; a learner; especially, a follower who has learned to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher; an adherent in doctrine; as, the disciples of Plato; the disciples of our Savior.
The disciples, or The twelve disciples, the twelve selected companions of Jesus; — also called the apostles. — Disciples of Christ. See Christian, n., 3, and Campbellite.
Syn. — Learner; scholar; pupil; follower; adherent.
Dis·ci′ple, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Discipled; p. pr. & vb. n. Discipling.] 1. To teach; to train. [Obs.]
That better were in virtues discipled. Spenser.
2. To punish; to discipline. [Obs.] B. Jonson.
3. To make disciples of; to convert to doctrines or principles. [R.]
Sending missionaries to disciple all nations. E. D. Griffin.