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.
Su`per*sti"tion*ist, n. One addicted to superstition. [Obs.] "Blind
superstitionists." Dr. H. More.
Su`per*sti"tious (?), a. [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.