Su`per*sti"tion (?), n. [F.
superstition, L. superstitio, originally, a standing
still over or by a thing; hence, amazement, wonder, dread, especially
of the divine or supernatural, fr. superstare to stand over;
super over + stare to stand. See Super-, and
Stand.] 1. An excessive reverence for, or
fear of, that which is unknown or mysterious.
2. An ignorant or irrational worship of the
Supreme Deity; excessive exactness or rigor in religious opinions or
practice; extreme and unnecessary scruples in the observance of
religious rites not commanded, or of points of minor importance; also,
a rite or practice proceeding from excess of sculptures in
religion.
And the truth
With superstitions and traditions taint.
Milton.
3. The worship of a false god or gods; false
religion; religious veneration for objects.
[The accusers] had certain questions against him of
their own superstition.
Acts xxv. 19.
4. Belief in the direct agency of superior
powers in certain extraordinary or singular events, or in magic,
omens, prognostics, or the like.
5. Excessive nicety; scrupulous
exactness.
Syn. -- Fanaticism. -- Superstition,
Fanaticism. Superstition springs from religious feeling
misdirected or unenlightened. Fanaticism arises from this same
feeling in a state of high-wrought and self-confident excitement. The
former leads in some cases to excessive rigor in religious opinions or
practice; in others, to unfounded belief in extraordinary events or in
charms, omens, and prognostics, hence producing weak fears, or
excessive scrupulosity as to outward observances. The latter gives
rise to an utter disregard of reason under the false assumption of
enjoying a guidance directly inspired. Fanaticism has a
secondary sense as applied to politics, etc., which corresponds to the
primary.
Su`per*sti"tion (?), n. [F.
superstition, L. superstitio, originally, a standing
still over or by a thing; hence, amazement, wonder, dread, especially
of the divine or supernatural, fr. superstare to stand over;
super over + stare to stand. See Super-, and
Stand.] 1. An excessive reverence for, or
fear of, that which is unknown or mysterious.
2. An ignorant or irrational worship of the
Supreme Deity; excessive exactness or rigor in religious opinions or
practice; extreme and unnecessary scruples in the observance of
religious rites not commanded, or of points of minor importance; also,
a rite or practice proceeding from excess of sculptures in
religion.
And the truth
With superstitions and traditions taint.
Milton.
3. The worship of a false god or gods; false
religion; religious veneration for objects.
[The accusers] had certain questions against him of
their own superstition.
Acts xxv. 19.
4. Belief in the direct agency of superior
powers in certain extraordinary or singular events, or in magic,
omens, prognostics, or the like.
5. Excessive nicety; scrupulous
exactness.
Syn. -- Fanaticism. -- Superstition,
Fanaticism. Superstition springs from religious feeling
misdirected or unenlightened. Fanaticism arises from this same
feeling in a state of high-wrought and self-confident excitement. The
former leads in some cases to excessive rigor in religious opinions or
practice; in others, to unfounded belief in extraordinary events or in
charms, omens, and prognostics, hence producing weak fears, or
excessive scrupulosity as to outward observances. The latter gives
rise to an utter disregard of reason under the false assumption of
enjoying a guidance directly inspired. Fanaticism has a
secondary sense as applied to politics, etc., which corresponds to the
primary.
