votaries

Noun

votary (plural votaries)

1. A person, such as a monk or nun, who lives a religious life according to vows they have made.
2. A devotee of a particular religion or cult.
3. A devout or zealous worshipper.
4. (broadly) Someone who is devoted to a particular pursuit etc.
   • But it is not ſimply of the progreſs of luxury that we have to complain: did its votaries keep in their own ſphere of thoughtleſs diſſipation, we might deſpiſe them without emotion; but the frivolous purſuits of pleaſure are mingled with the moſt important concerns of the ſtate;1771, [Henry Mackenzie], The Man of Feeling, 2nd edition, London: Printed for T[homas] Cadell, […], →OCLC, page 79

   Synonyms:

   enthusiast, addict, buff, aficionado, amateur, devotee, fancier, fan, fiend, freak

5. A loyal supporter or devoted admirer of a person or institution.
   • Well then, ye who delight in laughter, ye who are votaries of the proverb, "Laugh and grow Fat;"1847, editorial staff, “The Yankee Blade”, in Scientific American, series 1, Volume 3, Issue 9, page 66

See all 6 meanings of votary