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Webster 1913 Edition


Observance

Ob-serv′ance

,
Noun.
[F.
observance
, L.
observantia
. See
Observant
.]
1.
The act or practice of observing or noticing with attention; a heeding or keeping with care; performance; – usually with a sense of strictness and fidelity;
as, the
observance
of the Sabbath is general; the strict
observance
of duties.
It is a custom
More honored in the breach than the
observance
.
Shakespeare
2.
An act, ceremony, or rite, as of worship or respect; especially, a customary act or service of attention; a form; a practice; a rite; a custom.
At dances
These young folk kept their
observances
.
Chaucer.
Use all the
observance
of civility.
Shakespeare
Some represent to themselves the whole of religion as consisting in a few easy
observances
.
Rogers.
O I that wasted time to tend upon her,
To compass her with sweet
observances
!
Tennyson.
3.
Servile attention; sycophancy.
[Obs.]
Salads and flesh, such as their haste could get,
Served with
observance
.
Chapman.
This is not atheism,
But court
observance
.
Beau. & Fl.
Syn.
Observance
,
Observation
. These words are discriminated by the two distinct senses of observe. To observe means (1) to keep strictly; as, to observe a fast day, and hence, observance denotes the keeping or heeding with strictness; (2) to consider attentively, or to remark; and hence, observation denotes either the act of observing, or some remark made as the result thereof. We do not say the observation of Sunday, though the word was formerly so used. The Pharisees were curious in external observances; the astronomers are curious in celestial observations.
Love rigid honesty,
And strict
observance
of impartial laws.
Roscommon.

Webster 1828 Edition


Observance

OBSERV'ANCE

,
Noun.
s as z.
1.
The act of observing; the act of keeping or adhering to in practice; performance; as the observance of rules, rites, ceremonies or laws.
Love rigid honesty, and strict observance of impartial laws.
2.
Respect; ceremonial reverence in practice.
To do observance on the morn of May.
3.
Performance of rites, religious ceremonies or external service.
Some represent to themselves the whole of religion as consisting in a few easy observances.
4.
Rule of practice; thing to be observed.
5.
Observation; attention. [Little used.]
6.
Obedient regard or attention.
Having had experience of his fidelity and observance abroad. [Not used.]

Definition 2024


observance

observance

English

Alternative forms

Noun

observance (plural observances)

  1. The practice of complying with a law, custom, command or rule.
  2. The custom of celebrating a holiday or similar occasion.
  3. Observation or the act of watching.
  4. (religion) A rule governing a religious order, especially in the Roman Catholic church.

Antonyms

Translations