[syn: idolatry, devotion, veneration, cultism]
4. (usually plural) religious observance or prayers (usually spoken silently);
- Example: "he returned to his devotions"
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Devotion \De*vo"tion\, n. [F. d['e]votion, L. devotio.]
1. The act of devoting; consecration.
[1913 Webster]
2. The state of being devoted; addiction; eager inclination;
strong attachment love or affection; zeal; especially,
feelings toward God appropriately expressed by acts of
worship; devoutness.
[1913 Webster]
Genius animated by a fervent spirit of devotion.
--Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
3. Act of devotedness or devoutness; manifestation of strong
attachment; act of worship; prayer. "The love of public
devotion." --Hooker.
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4. Disposal; power of disposal. [Obs.]
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They are entirely at our devotion, and may be turned
backward and forward, as we please. --Godwin.
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5. A thing consecrated; an object of devotion. [R.]
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Churches and altars, priests and all devotions,
Tumbled together into rude chaos. --Beau. & Fl.
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Days of devotion. See under Day.
Syn: Consecration; devoutness; religiousness; piety;
attachment; devotedness; ardor; earnestness.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
devotion
n 1: feelings of ardent love; "their devotion to each other was
beautiful" [syn: devotion, devotedness]
2: commitment to some purpose; "the devotion of his time and
wealth to science"
3: religious zeal; the willingness to serve God [syn:
idolatry, devotion, veneration, cultism]
4: (usually plural) religious observance or prayers (usually
spoken silently); "he returned to his devotions"