apostolize

Verb

apostolize (third-person singular simple present apostolizes, present participle apostolizing, simple past and past participle apostolized)

1. (archaic) To convert; to proselytize.
   • In the year 1835, the Holy Synod thought it necessary to apostolize a little in the district of Wiatka, and to convert the Tcheremisses (heathens) to the right faith.1855, Aleksandr Herzen, My Exile in Siberia, page 246
   • ...but I am now about to produce evidence that Asoka's acquaintance with geography was not limited to Asia, and that his expansive benevolence towards living creatures extended, at least in intention, to another quarter of the globe;—that his religious ambition sought to apostolize Egypt;—and that...1858, Edward Thomas, Essays on Indian Antiquities, page 20
2. To make sacred or apostolic.
   • So he learns to "apostolize" the tying of a parcel or the washing of a dish, by offering that trivial action as an expression of his love.1951, Robert Nash, Living your faith, page 90
   • But, since the bones of Saint Peter did not have the power to absolve when they were enthroned and apostolized, nor did Peter thus become "apostolic" nor did the Roman pontiffs who are made popes on this chair have the power to pardon.1998, Patrick J. Geary, Readings in Medieval History - Volume 2, →ISBN, page 196