-rē, -ri noun
( -es )
Etymology: Latin vot um vow + English -ary — more at vow
1. archaic
a. : one pledged by solemn vows to a religious life : monk , nun
monasteries of votaries under special … rules — John Owen
b. : a sworn adherent
the votaries … that are vow-fellows with this virtuous duke — Shakespeare
2.
a. : an ardent enthusiast : addict , devotee
it was a paper for the home … and the female sex became its faithful votaries — John Buchan
gaming tables, thronged all night by the votaries of chance — Bayard Taylor
b. : a devoted admirer : disciple , fan
this volume … records the scattered yet absorbing talk of master and votary — Gene Baro
3.
a. : an adherent of a pagan deity
cultivate the goodwill of the gods, and so … induce them to bestow their benefits on their votaries — E.O.James
b. : a devout or zealous worshiper
a temple indifferent to the plight of … votaries below — Charlton Agburn
c. : a dedicated believer : staunch advocate
each religious dogma has its votaries
affluent votaries of the status quo — Hodding Carter