1. \Dis*ci"ple\, n. [OE. disciple, deciple, OF. disciple,
   fr. L. discipulus, fr. discere to learn (akin to docere to
   teach; see {Docile}) + prob. a root meaning to turn or drive,
   as in L. pellere to drive (see {Pulse}).]
   One who receives instruction from another; a scholar; a
   learner; especially, a follower who has learned to believe in
   the truth of the doctrine of his teacher; an adherent in
   doctrine; as, the disciples of Plato; the disciples of our
   Savior.
   
   {The disciples}, or {The twelve disciples}, the twelve
      selected companions of Jesus; -- also called {the
      apostles}.
   
   {Disciples of Christ}. See {Christian}, n., 3, and
      {Campbellite}.
   
   Syn: Learner; scholar; pupil; follower; adherent.
   
   

2. \Dis*ci"ple\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Discipled}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Discipling}.]
   1. To teach; to train. [Obs.]
   
            That better were in virtues discipled. --Spenser.
   
   2. To punish; to discipline. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
   
   3. To make disciples of; to convert to doctrines or
      principles. [R.]
   
            Sending missionaries to disciple all nations. --E.
                                                  D. Griffin.
   
   

a scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Matt. 9:14), and of the Pharisees (22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matt. 10:24; Luke 14:26, 27, 33; John 6:69).