n. & v.
n. 1 a person who is learning a trade by being employed in it for an agreed period at low wages. 2 a beginner; a novice.
v.tr. (usu. foll. by to) engage or bind as an apprentice (was apprenticed to a builder). apprenticeship n.
[ ME f. OF aprentis f. apprendre learn (as APPREHEND), after words in -tis, -tif, f. L -tivus: see -IVE ]