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.