apostlehood
|a-pos-tle-hood|
🇺🇸
/əˈpɑsəlˌhʊd/
🇬🇧
/əˈpɒsəlˌhʊd/
state/office of an apostle
Etymology
'apostlehood' originates from English, formed from the noun 'apostle' plus the suffix '-hood'; 'apostle' ultimately comes from Greek 'apostolos' meaning 'one sent forth' ('apo-' meaning 'from/away' and 'stello' meaning 'to send').
'apostle' passed into English via Late Latin 'apostolus' and Old French/Middle English forms (e.g. Old English/Middle English 'apostel'), and the suffix '-hood' derives from Old English 'hād' meaning 'state, condition'; the compound 'apostlehood' was formed in English by adding '-hood' to 'apostle'.
Initially 'apostle' meant 'one sent on a mission'; 'apostlehood' originally denoted the state or office of being an apostle, and over time it has retained that core meaning while also being used figuratively for missionary or pioneering roles.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the office, dignity, condition, or period of service of an apostle; apostleship.
He accepted the hardships of apostlehood and set out to preach in distant lands.
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Noun 2
(figurative) The mission or work carried out in the spirit of an apostle; any pioneering or missionary leadership role.
Her apostlehood in education transformed the community's schools.
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Last updated: 2025/09/22 06:20