'acolythate' originates from the Greek word 'akolouthos', meaning 'follower' or 'attendant'.

'akolouthos' transformed into the Latin word 'acolythus', and eventually became the modern English word 'acolyte', from which 'acolythate' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'follower or attendant', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the office or position of an acolyte'.