dis·ci·ple n:
1.a. One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.
b. An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.
2. often Disciple One of the original followers of Jesus.
3. Disciple A member of the Disciples of Christ.
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[Middle English, from Old English discipul, and from Old French desciple both from Latin discipulus, pupil, from discere, to learn. See dek- in Indo-European Roots.]
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

dis·ciple·ship n.
n : the position of disciple