əˈpästəˌlāt, -_lə̇t also -ȯs-; usu -d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin apostolatus, from apostolus + Latin -atus -ate
1. : the office or mission of an apostle : apostleship
fulfillment of an apostolate to the world
2. : an association of persons dedicated to the propagation of a religious faith or doctrine