votarist

In the present case, the votarist is a _palmer_, _i. e._ a pilgrim who carried a palm-branch in token of his having been to Palestine.

Milton's Comus John Milton 1641

The jewels you have had from me to deliver to Desdemona would half have corrupted a votarist: you have told me she hath received them and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance, but I find none.

Othello, the Moore of Venice 2004

We paused in such awe as would seize on a pale votarist, visiting some holy shrine at midnight; if she beheld animated and smiling, the image which she worshipped.

The Last Man 2003

The jewels you have had from me to deliver to Desdemona would half have corrupted a votarist; you have told me she has received them, and returned me expectations and comforts of sudden respect and acquaintance, but I find none.

Act IV. Scene II. Othello, the Moor of Venice 1914

Again, idle votarist would easily become idol votarist --

Literary Blunders; A chapter in the "History of Human Error" 1893

There is a still further advantage that belongs to the poet and the votarist of polite literature, which ought to be mentioned, as strongly calculated to repress the arrogance of the men of science, and the supercilious contempt they are apt to express for those who are engrossed by the pursuits of imagination and taste.

Thoughts on Man: His Nature, Productions, and Discoveries 1831

Oh! shame upon you, only hear the words of your exultant votarist -- 'Even Love, which according to the proverb conquers all things, when put in competition with painting, must yield the palm and be a willing captive.'

Samuel F. B. Morse, His Letters and Journals In Two Volumes, Volume I. 1831

We paused in such awe as would seize on a pale votarist, visiting some holy shrine at midnight; if she beheld animated and smiling, the image which she worshipped.

III.7 1826

Those are strangely mistaken, who from a superficial study of a few of his amatory sonnets, regard Petrarch as a mere love-sick poet, who spent his time in be-rhyming an obdurate mistress; and those are equally mistaken who consider him as the poetical votarist of an imaginary fair one.

The Diary of an Ennuyée 1827

We paused in such awe as would seize on a pale votarist, visiting some holy shrine at midnight; if she beheld animated and smiling, the image which she worshipped.

The Last Man 1826