De*vo"tion (?), n. [F. d'evotion, L. devotio.]
1. The act of devoting; consecration.
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.
Genius animated by a fervent spirit of devotion.
Macaulay.
3. Act of devotedness or devoutness; manifestation of strong attachment; act of worship; prayer. "The love of public devotion."
Hooker.
4. Disposal; power of disposal. [Obs.]
They are entirely at our devotion, and may be turned backward and forward, as we please.
Godwin.
5. A thing consecrated; an object of devotion. [R.]
Churches and altars, priests and all devotions,
Tumbled together into rude chaos.
Beau. & Fl.
Days of devotion. See under Day.
Syn. -- Consecration; devoutness; religiousness; piety; attachment; devotedness; ardor; earnestness.
© Webster 1913. |