zealator, n.

zealator
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zealator_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
Revised 2018

# zealatornoun

## Earlier version

- zelator in OED Second Edition (1989)

## In other dictionaries

- zēlā̆tǒur, n. in Middle English Dictionary

## Factsheet

### What does the noun zealator mean?

There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun zealator, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

zealator has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

religion (late 1500s) Roman Catholic Church (1840s) finance (1870s)

### How is the noun zealator pronounced?

#### British English

/ˈzɛlətə/
ZEL-uh-tuh

#### U.S. English

/ˈzɛlədər/
ZEL-uh-duhr

### Where does the noun zealator come from?

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the noun zealator is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for zealator is from before 1464, in the writing of John Capgrave, prior of Bishop's Lynn, theologian, and historian.

zealator is of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin.

Etymons: French zelateur; Latin zelator.

### Nearby entries

1. Z-DNA, n. 1979–
2. ze, pron. 1864–
3. zea, n. 1562–
4. zeagonite, n. 1823–
5. zeal, n. a1382–
6. zeal, v. 1542–1687
7. Zealander, n.¹ 1663–
8. Zealander, n.² 1773–
9. Zealandic, adj. 1807–
10. Zealandish, adj. 1684–
11. zealator, n.a1464–
12. zeal-blind, adj. 1615–1898
13. zeal-consuming, adj. 1629–1882
14. zealed, adj. 1679–1903
15. zealer, n.?a1450–1673
16. zealful, adj. 1602–
17. zeal-inflamed, adj. 1648–
18. zealing, adj. 1459–1602
19. zealist, n. 1614–
20. zealless, adj. a1594–
21. zealot, n. & adj. a1400–

## Etymology

### Summary

Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin.
Etymons: French zelateur; Latin zelator.
< (i) Middle French zelateur, (rare) zelatour, zelatur person who zealously promotes or furthers a cause, religion, etc. (end of the 14th cent.; 1743 with reference to an official in a religious…
< (i) Middle French zelateur, (rare) zelatour, zelatur person who zealously promotes or furthers a cause, religion, etc. (end of the 14th cent.; 1743 with reference to an official in a religious community), (depreciative) zealot (1585 in the passage translated in quot. 1585 at sense 2),

and its etymon (ii) post-classical Latin zelator jealous person, zealot (Vetus Latina), member of a religious community whose duty it is to encourage observance of the rule and assist in the formation of novices (1630 or earlier) < zelat-, past participial stem of zelare zeal v. + ‑or ‑or suffix.

### Notes

Compare Spanish celador (13th cent.), Portuguese zelador (15th cent.), Italian zelatore (14th cent.).
Specific forms
The β forms show remodelling after zeal n. or zealot n. The form zealoter shows remodelling after zealot n. and ‑er suffix1.
Specific senses
With sense 1b compare the following apparent earlier isolated use in an English context of Italian zelatore, plural of (rare) †zelatora nun who exercises the office of zelator (1622 or earlier; feminine form corresponding to zelatore; here after Spanish celadora (a1565), feminine form corresponding to celador):

1. 1669

   > Nor was there any accusation against her in the Chapter concerning the least defect; although the smallest, and most minute matters are by the Zelatore [Spanish las celadoras] observed, and mentioned there.

   A. Woodhead, translation of Life St. Teresa (1671) ii. xvi. 113

## Meaning & use

1. 1. 1.a.
      a1464–1918
      † A person who zealously promotes or furthers a cause, belief, etc.; a zealous defender or supporter of something. Obsolete (rare after 17th cent.).
      1. a1464

         > Þat þe qween and þe prince schuld be receyued as good zelatoris of þe rem.

         J. Capgrave, Abbreuiacion of Cronicles (Cambridge MS. Gg.4.12) (1983) 152
      2. 1531

         > Many zelatours or fauourers of the publyke weale.

         T. Elyot, Boke named Gouernour iii. xxv. sig. i ij
      3. c1550

         > I praye ȝou to be zelaturs of the lau of gode.

         Complaynt of Scotland (1979) ix. 60
      4. 1600

         > Al zelateurs of the trew seruice of God.

         J. Hamilton, Facile Traictise Ded. sig. ★3v
      5. 1684

         > I apply'd my self to Jesus, as Zelator [French zelateur] of Souls.

         A. L., translation of J. de Bernières Louvigny, Interiour Christian iv. vi. 253
      6. 1834

         > So was John [the baptist] a Zealator, a Corrector.

         Bible (Rheims) : New Testament (revised edition) (Mark ix. 13) 82/2 (note)
      7. 1895

         > I present to them Jesus in His circumcision as a zelator for the law of God.

         J. Allen, Christian's Model vol. I. (ed. 2) 48
      8. 1918

         > Who else but that abbat of canons..known as a zelator for discipline, can well have been the instigator..of the reform of his own canonical order?

         E. Bishop, Liturgica Historica xv. 342
      1. zealator a1464–1918
         A person who zealously promotes or furthers a cause, belief, etc.; a zealous defender or supporter of something. Obsolete (rare after 17th cent.).
      2. zealotist 1593–
         A zealot (in either sense A.2 or sense A.3 of the noun). Cf. zealotism, n.
      3. zealot 1596–
         A person who is zealously, fervently or passionately devoted to a cause or belief, or to the pursuit of an objective or outcome. Frequently (and…
      4. zealist 1614–
         A zealot.
      5. zeal 1631–47
         In extended use. A zealous person; a zealot. Obsolete.
      6. zelotypist?1632
         A person given to or characterized by excessive jealousy.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
   2. 1.b.
      1849–
      Chiefly Roman Catholic Church. A person in a religious community whose duty is to remind members of that community of their vows, encourage observance of monastic rule, and to admonish or report transgressions. Also in extended use.
      In extended use, chiefly after W. G. Palgrave (see quot. 1865) with reference to members of the religious police established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the mid 19th cent.; cf. mutawwa n.
      1. 1849

         > He therefore made him zealator over all the seminarists, and..he never failed to accuse those who transgressed the rules.

         translation of St. Alphonso Liguori in Lives of Companion St. Alphonso Liguori 81
      2. 1851

         > The rule commonly requires also that there should be two prudent sisters who are called Zealators, and whose duty it is to admonish the superioress, should she exceed or fail in her duties.

         W. B. Ullathorne, Plea Rights Relig. Women 11
      3. 1865

         > He had figured conspicuously in the first band of Zelators at the epoch of their foundation in 1855.

         W. G. Palgrave, Narrative Journey through Arabia vol. II. 3
      4. 1869

         > The Zelators are specially charged..to watch over their strict observance of the Rule, and to give notice to the Father Rector should they..give scandal to others and disgrace their holy profession.

         Manual Third Order St. Francis of Assisi vol. I. xv. 121
      5. 1911

         > The novice master..whose assistant was sometimes called the ‘zelator’.

         Catholic Encyclopedia vol. XI. 184/1
      6. 1973

         > It was the custom of the Discalced, when accused of offences against the rule, as some of them were every Friday by the zealator, to make no reply..except the words, ‘I will amend’.

         G. Brenan, St. John of Cross (1975) viii. 86
      7. 1978

         > The elders of the city had formed the band of Zelators..to purge Riyadh of its evil ways.

         Z. D. Freeth & H. V. F. Winstone, Explorers of Arabia vi. 181
      8. 2013

         > Since the appointment of the zelator, the observances of the house have deepened.

         P. Lawrence, Abbot's Notebook 134
      Roman Catholic Church
      1. search c1500–1652
         A person appointed to search, examine, or inspect something; (originally) spec. one who supervises the behaviour of nuns in a convent in order to…
      2. definitor 1648–
         An officer of the chapter in certain monastic orders, charged with the ‘definition’ or decision of points of discipline.
      3. zealator 1849–
         Chiefly Roman Catholic Church. A person in a religious community whose duty is to remind members of that community of their vows, encourage…
      View in Historical Thesaurus
   3. 1.c.
      1876–1912
      † A person employed by a group to recruit people to a cause or mission, or to encourage them to give financial or practical support. Obsolete.
      Chiefly in the context of Roman Catholic organizations established to carry out charitable or missionary work.
      1. 1876

         > Zelators aid in spreading the devotion by enrolling members.

         T. E. Bridgett, Discipline of Drink App. 235
      2. 1888

         > Lady Herbert the treasurer, gave an account of the receipts from the zelators, since the last meeting.

         Tablet 14 April 612/2
      3. 1896

         > Mr Joseph Cook..on behalf of the Confraternity of the Holy House of which he is a Zelator, begs that those who wish to become members will send in their names to him.

         Tablet 4 January 15/1
      4. 1912

         > A zelator and a zelatrix in every parish could do much without interfering with local needs.

         Irish Monthly vol. 40 476
      finance
2. 2.
   1585–
   A zealot (see zealot n.); esp. a person who is excessively, immoderately, or fanatically devoted to a cause or ideal, esp. a religious or political one. Now rare.
   1. 1585

      > These great zelators [French zelateurs] do not onely in words, but also in writing continually slaunder the king.

      translation of True Rep. Taking of Marseilles sig. Bv
   2. 1602

      > Finallie these goodlie Zelators [French Zelateurs]..came to such an extremitie, that they themselves set their temple on fire in Ierusalem.

      S. Patrick, translation of I. Gentillet, Disc. Wel Governing ii. 97
   3. 1644

      > I can best compare them..with that Rebellious rout of the Iewes, who called themselves Zelators.

      H. Leslie, Blessing of Ivdah 41
   4. 1867

      > Even stoutest parliamentary ‘zealoters’ must yield to utter weariness of body.

      R. Palgrave in Macmillan's Magazine June 143
   5. 1986

      > The common Christian image of the Pharisees as stern and narrow minded zealators of the Law is considered by Jewish scholars as slanderous, and rightly so.

      L. Legrand in P. Puthanangady, Popular Devotions India iv. 298
   religion
   1. Cananaean 1483–
      An epithet given to the apostle Simon; = Canaanite, n.¹ A.2.
   2. votary 1576–
      A devoted or zealous worshipper of a particular god, goddess, saint, or other person. Frequently with of or possessive. Now chiefly historical.
   3. Canaanite 1611–
      An epithet given to the apostle Simon. (See the etymology section.)
   4. spiritato 1613–98
      A person considered to exhibit excessive religious fervour; a religious zealot or fanatic. Cf. enthusiast, n. 1b.
   5. zealist 1614–
      A zealot.
   6. zelant 1624–26
      A zealot.
   7. zeal 1631–47
      In extended use. A zealous person; a zealot. Obsolete.
   8. religionist 1651–
      A person devoted to religion; an excessively religious person, a zealot. Also: a person professionally occupied with religion, as a minister or…
   9. ecstatic 1659–
      One who is subject to fits of ecstasy (see ecstasy, n. 2, 3).
   10. rapturist 1665–
       A person who has or goes into raptures; an enthusiast.
   11. religioner 1808–
       A person bound by religious vows; (more generally) a person devoted to a religious life, a religious person.
   12. subject 1820
       A person under the influence of religious emotion. Obsolete. rare.
   13. voteen 1825–
       A devout or zealously religious person, a devotee. Also (esp. in later use): a sanctimonious or ostentatiously pious person.
   14. zealator 1867–
       A zealot (see zealot, n.); esp. a person who is excessively, immoderately, or fanatically devoted to a cause or ideal, esp. a religious or…
   View in Historical Thesaurus

## Pronunciation

### British English

/ˈzɛlətə/
ZEL-uh-tuh

### U.S. English

/ˈzɛlədər/
ZEL-uh-duhr

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye*
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but /ˈpɛdl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- ifleece, happy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- ætrap, bath
- ɑlot, palm, cloth, thought
- ɑrstart
- ɔcloth, thought
- ɔrnorth, force
- ʊfoot
- ugoose
- əstrut, comma
- ərnurse, letter
- ɪ(ə)rnear
- ɛ(ə)rsquare
- ʊ(ə)rcure
- eɪface
- aɪpride
- aʊmouth
- oʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ɑ̃gratin
- æ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.

##### Consonants

b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values

- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige

##### Vowels

- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot

## Forms

### Variant forms

##### α.

(a)

1. late Middle English–1500s
   zelatour
2. late Middle English–1600s; 1800s–
   zelator
3. 1500s
   zelatoure

(b) Also Scottish

1. pre-1700
   zelateur, zelatur

##### β.

1. 1500s
   zealatour
2. 1800s
   zealoter
3. 1800s–
   zealator

## Compounds & derived words

Sort by

1. zelatrix, n. 1865–
   A female zealator (in various senses of zealator…

zealator, n. was revised in June 2018.

zealator, n. was last modified in September 2024.