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