Ne"o*phyte (?), n. [L. neophytis, Gr. , prop., newly planted; new + grown, that which has grown, a plant, fr. to grow: cf. F. n'eophyte. See New, and Be.]
1.
A new convert or proselyte; -- a name given by the early Christians, and still given by the Roman Catholics, to such as have recently embraced the Christian faith, and been admitted to baptism, esp. to converts from heathenism or Judaism.
2.
A novice; a tyro; a beginner in anything.
© Webster 1913.