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.
SUPERSTITIONIST
Su`per*sti"tion*ist, n.
Defn: One addicted to superstition. [Obs.] "Blind superstitionists."
Dr. H. More.
SUPERSTITIOUS
Su`per*sti"tious, a. Etym: [F. superstitieux, L. superstitiosus.]
1. Of or pertaining to superstition; proceeding from, or manifesting, superstition; as, superstitious rites; superstitious observances.
2. Evincing superstition; overscrupulous and rigid in religious observances; addicted to superstition; full of idle fancies and scruples in regard to religion. Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. Acts xvii. 22.
3. Overexact; scrupulous beyond need. Superstitious use (Law), the use of a gift or bequest, as of land, etc., for the maintenance of the rites of a religion not tolerated by the law. [Eng.] Mozley & W. — Su`per*sti"tious*ly, adv. — Su`per*sti"tious*ness, n.
SUPERSTRAIN
Su`per*strain", v. t.
Defn: To overstrain. Bacon.