Reverence

Reverence Rev"er*ence, n. [F. r['e]v['e]rence, L. reverentia. See {Reverent}.] 1. Profound respect and esteem mingled with fear and affection, as for a holy being or place; the disposition to revere; veneration. [1913 Webster]

If thou be poor, farewell thy reverence. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Reverence, which is the synthesis of love and fear. --Coleridge. [1913 Webster]

When discords, and quarrels, and factions, are carried openly and audaciously, it is a sign the reverence of government islost. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

Note: Formerly, as in Chaucer, reverence denoted ``respect'' ``honor'', without awe or fear. [1913 Webster]

2. The act of revering; a token of respect or veneration; an obeisance. [1913 Webster]

Make twenty reverences upon receiving . . . about twopence. --Goldsmith. [1913 Webster]

And each of them doeth all his diligence To do unto the feast reverence. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

3. That which deserves or exacts manifestations of reverence; reverend character; dignity; state. [1913 Webster]

I am forced to lay my reverence by. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

4. A person entitled to be revered; -- a title applied to priests or other ministers with the pronouns his or your; sometimes poetically to a father. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

{Save your reverence}, {Saving your reverence}, an apologetical phrase for an unseemly expression made in the presence of a priest or clergyman.

{Sir reverence}, a contracted form of {Save your reverence}. [1913 Webster]

Such a one as a man may not speak of, without he say. ``Sir reverence.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]

{To do reverence}, to show reverence or honor; to perform an act of reverence. [1913 Webster]

Now lies he there, And none so poor to do him reverence. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Awe; honor; veneration; adoration; dread.

Usage: {Awe}, {Reverence}, {Dread}, {Veneration}. Reverence is a strong sentiment of respect and esteem, sometimes mingled slightly with fear; as, reverence for the divine law. Awe is a mixed feeling of sublimity and dread in view of something great or terrible, sublime or sacred; as, awe at the divine presence. It does not necessarily imply love. Dread is an anxious fear in view of an impending evil; as, dread of punishment. Veneration is reverence in its strongest manifestations. It is the highest emotion we can exercise toward human beings. Exalted and noble objects produce reverence; terrific and threatening objects awaken dread; a sense of the divine presence fills us with awe; a union of wisdom and virtue in one who is advanced in years inspires us with veneration. [1913 Webster]