an excessive reverence for, or fear of, that which is unknown or mysterious.-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.-the worship of a false god or gods; false religion; religious veneration for objects.-belief in the direct agency of superior powers in certain extraordinary or singular events, or in magic, omens, prognostics, or the like.-excessive nicety; scrupulous exactness.