apostolate

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: a=pos=to=late

CIDE DICTIONARY

apostolate, n. [L. apostolatus, fr. apostolus. See Apostle.].

•  The dignity, office, or mission, of an apostle; apostleship.  [1913 Webster]

  "Judas had miscarried and lost his apostolate."  [1913 Webster]
•  The dignity or office of the pope, as the holder of the apostolic see.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

apostolate, n.
1 the position or authority of an Apostle.
2 leadership in reform.

Etymology

eccl.L apostolatus (as APOSTLE)