acolyte

Use this forum to suggest Good Words for Professor Beard.
sardith
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acolyte

Postby sardith » Thu Dec 08, 2011 1:22 pm

Dear Dr. Goodword,

I noticed that you hadn't gotten around to this excellent word. I'd love to read your thoughts, and I have a question that I'll throw out to everyone. I noticed that this word is often used in the pejorative, and in that sense, wondered if you think it is coming close to the insult of being called a myrmidon?

Thanks,
Sardith

acolyte
n.
1. One who assists the celebrant in the performance of liturgical rites.
2. A devoted follower or attendant.
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~

Perry Lassiter
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Postby Perry Lassiter » Thu Dec 08, 2011 1:27 pm

And myrmidon with its connotations means...?
pl

sardith
Lexiterian
Posts: 267
Joined: Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:21 am
Location: Central California

acolyte

Postby sardith » Thu Dec 08, 2011 3:26 pm

...a mindless follower, someone who doesn't think for themselves.

...and does acolyte have a always have a religious connotation?
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~

Perry Lassiter
Great Grand Panjandrum
Posts: 3333
Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 12:41 pm
Location: RUSTON, LA
Contact:

Postby Perry Lassiter » Thu Dec 08, 2011 3:45 pm

Oh, surely not. I can't cite chapter and verse, but I have clear images of ceo types rushing down the hallway followed by acolites. Ditto for Senators and other so-called high powered people.
pl

LukeJavan8
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Postby LukeJavan8 » Sun Dec 25, 2011 6:57 pm

I know "acolyte" was an ordained "minor Order" in the
Roman Church, decades ago.
-----please, draw me a sheep-----


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