Superstition

      superstition

      2 definitions found 

      Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913] 

      superstition \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.

         Usage: 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.