Etymology: Middle English, from Old English discipul & Anglo-French disciple, from Late Latin and Latin; Late Latin discipulus follower of Jesus Christ in his lifetime, from Latin, pupil. Date: before 12th century.
One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: as a) one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accounts b) a convinced adherent of a school or individual. Ref.: www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary