disciple

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Discipled p. pr. & vb. n. Discipling. ] 1. To teach; to train. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

That better were in virtues discipled. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To punish; to discipline. [ Obs. ] B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To make disciples of; to convert to doctrines or principles. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Sending missionaries to disciple all nations. E. D. Griffin. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state of being a disciple or follower in doctrines and precepts. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]