Superstition

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              And the truth
              With superstitions and traditions taint. --Milton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. The worship of a false god or gods; false religion;
        religious veneration for objects.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              [The accusers] had certain questions against him of
              their own superstition.               --Acts xxv.
                                                    19.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. Belief in the direct agency of superior powers in certain
        extraordinary or singular events, or in magic, omens,
        prognostics, or the like.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. Excessive nicety; scrupulous exactness.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
            [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  superstition
       n : an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear [syn: {superstitious
           notion}]