apos·to·late \əˈpästəˌlāt, -_lə̇t also -ȯs-; usu -d.+V\noun (-s) Etymology: Late Latin apostolatus, from apostolus + Latin -atus -ate 1.: the office or mission of an apostle : apostleship < fulfillment of an apostolate to the world > 2.: an association of persons dedicated to the propagation of a religious faith or doctrine