I. ˈzelət, usu -əd.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin zelotes, from Greek zēlōtēs, from zēlos
1. usually capitalized : one of a fanatical sect bitterly opposing the Roman domination of Palestine during the great rebellion and the siege of Jerusalem and opposing not only the Romans but other Jewish factions — see sicarius
2.
a. : one who is zealous : one who embraces a cause and supports it with vigor and enthusiasm
b. : one who is carried away by his zeal : a fanatical partisan
Synonyms: see enthusiast
II. adjective
: being or characteristic of a zealot