A*pos"tate (#), n. [L. apostata, Gr. , fr. . See Apostasy.]
1.
One who has forsaken the faith, principles, or party, to which he before adhered; esp., one who has forsaken his religion for another; a pervert; a renegade.
2. R. C. Ch.
One who, after having received sacred orders, renounces his clerical profession.
© Webster 1913.
A*pos"tate, a.
Pertaining to, or characterized by, apostasy; faithless to moral allegiance; renegade.
So spake the apostate angel.
Milton.
A wretched and apostate state.
Steele.
© Webster 1913.
A*pos"tate, v. i. [L. apostatare.]
To apostatize.
[Obs.]
We are not of them which apostate from Christ.
Bp. Hall.
© Webster 1913.