Nn: Neophyte

n.

1. A recent convert to a belief; a proselyte.

2. A beginner or novice: a neophyte at politics.

3.

a. Roman Catholic Church A newly ordained priest.

b. A novice of a religious order or congregation.

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[Middle English, from Late Latin neophytus, from Greek neophutos : neo-, neo- + -phutos, planted (from phuein, to bring forth; see bheu- in Indo-European roots).]

Thesauraus

	1.	neophyte - any new participant in some activity fledgeling, fledgling, newbie, newcomer, freshman, entrant, starter beginner, initiate, tiro, tyro, novice - someone new to a field or activity enlistee, recruit - any new member or supporter (as in the armed forces)
	2.	neophyte - a new convert being taught the principles of Christianity by a catechist catechumen educatee, pupil, student - a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

A neophyte might have fancied that the ripples passing over it were dreadfully like faint changes of expression on a sightless face; but Gaffer was no neophyte and had no fancies.Our Mutual Friend by Dickens, Charles