reverencen.
/ˈrɛv(ə)rəns/, /ˈrɛv(ə)rn̩s/, U.S. /ˈrɛvərn̩s/, /ˈrɛv(ə)rəns/ 1. † c. In extended use: the action of giving due honour and attention to words by careful study or consideration. Obsolete. rare.
a. Deep or due respect felt or shown towards a person on account of his or her position, status, or relationship to oneself; deference. Now rare.In later use difficult to distinguish unambiguously from sense 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > reverence > [noun]
reverencec1300
reverency?1505
prostration1619
veneration1683
c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) 1311 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 144 (MED) Þe king..hauez us hidere i-send to schewi furst þe reuerence and grete loue also Þat he hath to eov i-bore.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 20 (MED) Me ne berþ naȝt worssipe and reuerence þer þet me ssolde.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 8356 (MED) Þat lauedi til hir lauerd lute Wit buxum reuerence and dute.
1449 in L. Morsbach Mittelengl. Originalurkunden (1923) 45 (MED) To alle that this wrytyng shal here or se maut, wyf of john Bakon..sende duwe reuerence and gretyng.
a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 869 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 122 Quhom yai ressaif with reuerens.
1535 D. Lindsay Satyre 500 Vnto thy Celsitude I gif gloir, honour, laud, and reuerence.
1572 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. III. 8 In speakynge of my Princes I must use a due reverence and regarde.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 181 By his comely person, sweete affabilitie and grauitie, he would haue extorted reuerence from those that least loued him.
1668 R. Steele Husbandmans Calling (1672) vii. 186 There is nothing harder than for an indiscreet man to command due reverence in his house.
1751 S. Johnson Rambler No. 98. ⁋11 The forms of salutation, the different gradations of reverence, and all the adjustments of place and precedence.
1803 J. Porter Thaddeus of Warsaw I. iv. 100 With reverence to my father and yourself, Your truly affectionate son.
1869 W. L. Blackley Word Gossip ix. 136 His duty was to show most obsequious reverence to his master.
1906 Victoria Hist. County of Worcester II. 139 He had not published, on account of his reverence to the king.
b. Deep respect, veneration, or admiration for someone or something, esp. a person or thing regarded as sacred or holy.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > piety > [noun]
devotion?c1225
life-holiness?c1225
love-awe?c1225
reverencec1300
Godfrightiheada1325
pity1340
devoutness1377
truthc1384
love-dreada1400
fearc1400
pietya1500
godliness1528
devoteness1606
heavenly-mindedness1612
obedientialness1651
piousness1659
devotionalness1673
unction1692
theopathy1749
devoteeism1828
pietism1829
bhakti1832
devotionality1850
devotionalism1859
pi1897
society > faith > aspects of faith > piety > [noun] > instance of
reverencec1300
devotion1490
piety1590
spirituality1646
devout1649
c1300 St. Mary of Egypt (Laud) 256 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 268 (MED) Kneuli ne schalt þouȝ nouȝt for reuerence of þat holi þing þat þou hast with þe i-brouȝt.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 118 (MED) Ous be-houeþ to spekene mid greate reuerence of..þe zeuen holy yefþes of þe holy gost.
a1400 Siege Jerusalem (Laud) (1932) 226 (MED) He vnclosed þe cloþe þat Cristes body touched..Receyued hit myd reuerence.
c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Summoner's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) 1932 Hir preyere is of ful greet reuerence.
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 205 (MED) In þat cytee is noman so hardy to schede blode of noman..for the reuerence of an ydole þat is worschipt þere.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Ciiiiv Euery creature shulde honour, loue, & worship with all reuerence that blessed sacrament.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. vv He protesteth that he beareth all dew reuerence to the holy churche of Rome.
1647 R. Herrick Reverence in Noble Numbers 50 True rev'rence is..The feare of God, commixt with cleanly love.
1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding i. iv. 35 After all, the greatest reverence is due to Truth.
1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. xiii. 264 Superiour Excellence of any Kind..is the Object of Awe and Reverence to all Creatures.
1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall (1787) III. xxviii. 75 The absurd reverence for antiquity, which could only tend to discourage the improvements of art.
1820 W. Irving Sketch Bk. II. 221 The Indians are remarkable for the reverence which they entertain for the sepulchres of their kindred.
1856 A. P. Stanley Sinai & Palestine (1858) ii. i. 76 The real reverence due to the place, as the scene of the first great revelation of God to man.
1897 M. Kingsley Trav. W. Afr. 526 The undoubted fact that women are notably deficient in real reverence for authority.
1920 D. H. Lawrence Women in Love xiii. 167 He sat very still, watching her as she talked. And he seemed to listen with reverence.
1958 J. Carew Black Midas ii. 25 He was treated with reverence because we all knew that his madness had given him a prophet's vision.
1977 J. McPhee Coming into Country ii. 110 The Indians in their reverence had called it Denali.
2002 Church Times 11 Jan. 15/1 An excessive reverence for the Crown..has often been identified as the besetting sin of the Church of England.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > learning > study > [noun] > of something
studyc1300
speculationc1374
reverencea1393
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. 1524 ‘Word’ the techer of vertus Is cleped..Wherof touchende this partie Is Rethorique the science Appropred to the reverence Of wordes that ben resonable.
d. A gesture indicative of deep and deferential respect; esp. an obeisance; a bow, a curtsy. Now archaic except in Ballet.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [noun] > manifestation of respect > bowing, kneeling, or curtseying > a bow or curtsey
crookc1330
beckc1375
obediencec1390
obeisancea1393
reverencec1400
inclinationa1425
courtesy1508
curtsy1513
honour1531
leg1548
duck1554
beisance1556
jouk1567
congee1577
crouch1597
humblesso1599
inclinabo1607
salaam1613
dop1616
scrape1628
bowa1656
visit-leg1673
couchee1691
dip1792
bob1825
c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. x. 191 (MED) Al þat holy eremytes hateden..As rychesses and reuerences..These lolleres..Coueyten.
c1405 (c1380) G. Chaucer Second Nun's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 453 For as muche as we doon a reuerence To crist and for we bere a cristen name Ye putte on vs a cryme.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xvi. 382 Whan they sawe the kyng they made him the reverence.
1521 R. Copland in A. Barclay Introd. Frenche f. 16 All bace daunces begyn by syngles or reuerence, and ende wt braule.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 732 The French king made to him an humble reuerence, but after his fashion somewhat homely.
1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons Ded. 13 They will with many new conges, ceremonies and reuerences, drinke to the health and prosperitie of Princes.
1655 in E. Nicholas Nicholas Papers (1892) II. 308 Att his thirde reuerence, as likewise att his taking leaue, Crom[well] did him the honor to embrace him ouer the shoulder.
1672 A. Marvell Rehearsal Transpros'd i. 85 As oft as he had occasion to bow, he directed his Reverence towards the Gentle-Womens Pew.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. ii. ii. 33 I..made my Reverence to my Master's Guest.
1775 F. Burney Jrnl. 6 June in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1990) II. 145 I..made a reverence by way of leave taking.
1833 H. Martineau Messrs. Vanderput & Snoek ix. 135 [He] had never seen his friend offer so low a reverence.
1853 J. D. H. Dale tr. G. Baldeschi Ceremonial Rom. Rite 63 Having again genuflected while the Officiant makes the proper reverence.
1870 B. Disraeli Lothair I. iii. 14 Lothair had had only time to make a reverence of ceremony before dinner.
1915 F. Hodgson Burnett Lost Prince xxvi. 268 Marco drew up before him and made a respectful reverence.
1938 Dancing Times Sept. 643/1 Sometimes she imitates a stage bow—a ‘reverence’.
1964 W. G. Raffe & M. E. Purdon Dict. Dance 417/2 In classical ballet, the ballerina uses the ‘reverence’, sometimes to her partner, sometimes to characters of high rank in the ballet.
1988 ‘E. Peters’ Confession Brother Haluin xiii. 196 He bent his knee in the briefest of reverences by way of acknowledging the order.
1998 G. Kassing & D. M. Jay Teaching Beginning Ballet Technique iii. 44 Traditionally, students perform a reverence at the end of the class.
2. † b. spec. The solemnity or sense of awe and veneration associated with a religious festival. Obsolete. rare.
a. The state or condition of being deeply respected or venerated; the quality of inspiring feelings of awe or veneration.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > reverence > quality of inspiring reverence > [noun] > state of being revered
reverencea1387
veneration1625
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 367 (MED) Þere was a welle in þat lond in grete reuerence in olde tyme.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) Prol. 298 (MED) Who that only for Cristes sake Desireth cure forto take..He schal..do profit In holy cherche..Bot in the worldes reverence Ther ben..manie glade Whan thei to thilke astat ben made.
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) 1243 (MED) To reche to such reuerence as ȝe reherce here I am wyȝe vn-worþy.
a1450 (c1412) T. Hoccleve De Regimine Principum (Harl. 4866) (1897) 448 (MED) If twixt you and youre men no difference Be in array, lesse is youre reuerence.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 203 Conquestis..maid for the..honour and the reuerence of almychty god.
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1901) I. i. viii. 47 To mak him in mare reuerence to þe pepill he cled him with riche & riall abilȝementis.
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Kiv The sage grauitie and reuerence of the elders should kepe the yongers from wanton licence.
1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. xxxix. 124 To regester himselfe a sanctuary man, hoping the reuerence of the place..might preserue his life.
1700 N. Rowe Ambitious Step-mother ii. ii Nor shall thy Sword prophane With Brawls or Blood the Reverence of this Place.
1738 Hist. View Court of Exchequer iv. 66 One that had got Reverence amongst the People.
1818 H. Hallam View Europe Middle Ages I. vi. 512 Two reigns..passed in external glory and domestic reverence.
1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam xxxii. 115 All the train of bounteous hours Conduct by paths of growing powers, To reverence and the silver hair. View more context for this quotation
1907 Downside Rev. July 151 It rather detracts from the dignity and beauty and reverence of the holy place to hang up a scanty curtain.
1992 Boston Globe 7 June (Mag.) 38/4 Branford's name glows with a reverence reserved for those players who periodically surface to drop-kick jazz to its next plateau.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > fear > awe > [noun] > religious awe
dreadingc1175
fearc1400
dread1508
reverence1543
1543 ( Chron. J. Hardyng (1812) 308 (MED) The castell then of Berwyke and the towne Kyng Robert gatte..The Wendesdaye before Easters reuerence.
3. A person worthy of or inspiring deep respect; a venerable person; esp. a member of the clergy. rare except with possessive adjective (see Phrases 6).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > reverence > quality of inspiring reverence > [noun] > one who
reverencea1627
venerable1748
a1627 W. Rowley & T. Middleton Wit at Severall Weapons ii. ii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Kkkkkk2/2 Do's he meane As he seemes to say unto that reverence? He does wooe her sure.
1931 G. Dunlop tr. F. Werfel Hidden Child xv. 85 He was a ‘reverence’, a parish priest in a tiny market-town, and, as such, the pride and glory of the family.
Phrases
P1.
a. to do (also †make) reverence (to): to show deep respect or veneration for; (in early use esp.) to make a gesture indicative of this (see sense 1d). Now archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > reverence > revere [verb (intransitive)] > show reverence
to do (also make) reverence (to)a1325
to pay reverence (to)1616
a1325 (c1280) Southern Passion (Pepys 2344) (1927) 1418 (MED) Þinges þer were ffoure Whar-wiþ me sholde euerich kyng..cloþ of pourpre to werye, wiþ noble gretyng al-so, Wiþ croune on his heued and reuerence þat me sholde him ek do.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) v. 322 (MED) Thus hath this king experience Hou foles don the reverence To gold.
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 62 (MED) Seynt Iohn stered in his modres wombe & made reuerence to his creatour.
?c1450 (?a1350) Gospel of Nicodemus (Sion Coll. London) (1907) 144 (MED) What had we forto do To make reuerence to Ihesu?
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) i. 40 Assoone as the messager sawe hym, he made hym due reuerence.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxcijv Whan he came agayn to the aultar, the king rysing out of his seate, doeth him reuerence.
1568 E. Tilney Brief Disc. Mariage (new ed.) sig. Dij To whome after our reverence accordingly done, we drew neere.
1611 Bible (King James) Esther iii. 5 Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reuerence. View more context for this quotation
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd i. 80 I saw The Prophet do him reverence. View more context for this quotation
1845 R. W. Hamilton Inst. Pop. Educ. iv. 84 You have done reverence to the Father of spirits in the evocation of that spirit.
1873 Our Work in Palestine iv. 55 Within sight of the Temple, Alexander..did reverence to the holy name on the tiara of the high priest.
1934 Z. N. Hurston Jonah's Gourd Vine ii. 65 He kept on making imaginary speeches to her. Speeches full of big words that would make her gasp and do him ‘reverence’.
1964 M. L. King Strength to Love (1969) ii. 23 Men do reverence before false gods of nationalism and materialism.
b. to pay reverence (to): to show respect or deep admiration for a person, object, idea, etc.; (also) to show veneration for (a god).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > reverence > revere [verb (intransitive)] > show reverence
to do (also make) reverence (to)a1325
to pay reverence (to)1616
1616 B. Jonson Every Man in his Humor (rev. ed.) ii. v, in Wks. I. 26 Age was authoritie Against a buffon: and a man had, then, A certaine reuerence pai'd vnto his yeeres.
1693 J. Dryden Examen Poeticum Ded. sig. A5v 'Tis not with an ultimate intention to pay Reverence to the Manes of Shakespear [etc.].
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World i. 169 Paying their Reverence in a manner much more Rational.
1776 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall I. ix. 235 Their genius and character, as well as the reverence paid to their important office, have been sufficiently illustrated.
1807 W. Wordsworth Poems I. 128 Ye Men of prostrate mind! A seemly reverence may be paid to power.
1879 H. Phillips Worship of Sun (1880) 5 The reverence paid to the heavenly orbs.
1911 Encycl. Brit. XV. 222/1 It is to Amaterasu (the heaven-illuminating goddess) that the Japanese pay reverence above all other deities.
1969 Amer. Art Jrnl. 1 10 Surely it is suitable to look back and pay reverence to the earliest (and probably the greatest) chronicler of American art.
2005 Daily Tel. (Sydney) (Nexis) 6 May 67 The production pays reverence to the majesty of the text.
P2. † b. with (a person's) reverence: = saving (a person's) reverence at Phrases 2c. Obsolete. rare.
a. save (a person's) reverence: = saving (a person's) reverence at Phrases 2c. Cf. sir-reverence n., surreverence n. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [phrase] > with respect
save (a person's) reverencea1387
with (a person's) reverencea1393
saving (a person's) reverence?a1425
with all (due, great, etc.) respect1614
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > [adverb] > with respect
sir-reverence of1575
sir-reverence1592
save (a person's) reverence1596
with all (due, great, etc.) respect1614
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1876) VI. 179 (MED) Save reverence of seynt Aldelyn, þis semeþ non holynesse..but pure verray folye.
a1438 Bk. Margery Kempe (1940) i. 132 (MED) My Lorde, saue ȝowr reuerens, it arn lesyngys alle þe wordys þat þei sey.
1447 O. Bokenham Lives of Saints (Arun.) (1938) 1290 (MED) Me thynkith best were, saf youre reuerence, That ye youreself to hym dede appere.
a1538 A. Abell Roit or Quheill of Tyme f. 67v, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) Arnulphy Impriour..wes consumit sauf reuerence with..lice.
1596 J. Harington New Disc. Aiax sig. E2 Be it spoken with saue the reuerence of al women that are or were, saue her selfe.
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. iv. 42 Weele draw thee from the mire Or saue you reuerence [1597 of this surruerence] loue, wherein thou stickest Vp to the eares. View more context for this quotation
1649 E. Davies Bill Excomm. 12 In whose Churchyard, save-reverence, worse then burnt by the Hangman.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [phrase] > with respect
save (a person's) reverencea1387
with (a person's) reverencea1393
saving (a person's) reverence?a1425
with all (due, great, etc.) respect1614
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) i. 3291 (MED) Thus with your [sc. the king's] hihe reverence Me thenketh that this evidence As to this point is sufficant.
?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 66 (MED) Many men seiþ þat G. commaunded not to sewe hem..Certez with her reuerence G. forbed it noȝt.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth xi, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 296 Your Highness may know other craftsmen,..but, with reverence, you know not Henry Gow.
c. saving (a person's) reverence: (introducing a critical or potentially offensive remark) with apologies to, with all due respect, ‘if you will excuse my saying so’. Now archaic or with ironic formality.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [phrase] > with respect
save (a person's) reverencea1387
with (a person's) reverencea1393
saving (a person's) reverence?a1425
with all (due, great, etc.) respect1614
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 123 (MED) After my lytyll wytt it semeth me, sauynge here reuerence, þat it is more.
1455–6 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. July 1455 §19. m. 24 Defaime, untruly savyng youre reverence leyed upon us.
c1475 Mankind (1969) l. 463 (MED) He ys a worschyppull man, sers, sauyng yowr reuerens.
c1563 Jack Juggler (Grosart) 67 Nay then wer I a knaue, misteris, sauing your reverence.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice ii. ii. 24 Who sauing your reuerence is the deuill himselfe. View more context for this quotation
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 557 A caue or hole within the ground, called, saving your reverence, The Devils Arse.
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. vi. 275 Calling his Book Charta Cacata, which (saving reverence to the Reader) may be returned on the foul mouth of him who first uttered it.
1669 J. Fletcher Island Princess 640 Saving the reverence of your grace, we stole him E'ne out of the next chamber to yee.
1704 J. Dunton Athenian Spy xix. 65 As to the Parson he's an Ass to you, (saving his Reverence) and I wou'd prefer one moment of Philarees Company to whole Ages of his.
1762 Life, Trav., & Adventures Christopher Wagstaff II. xxi. 89 This post, pillar, I mean (saving its reverence) is a very pretty knick-knack.
1853 P. C. Headley Life Mary Queen of Scots iv. 132 Saving your majesty's reverence, you chose them all in Seaton, and nominated them.
1900 Macmillan's Mag. June 98/2 Saving Shakespeare's reverence, Blackmore's picture is even better than his.
1956 C. S. Lewis Last Battle vii. 82 He said (saving your reverence) that you were howling and swearing and cursing Aslan.
2001 A. Isler Clerical Errors ii. 93 ‘Bollocks to the doctor!’ His grin for a split second revealed the young man lurking within this wizened exterior. ‘Saving Your Reverence, of course.’
P3. to hold (also †have) (a person or thing) in (great, etc.) reverence: to hold in deep respect or high esteem; to venerate, revere.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > reverence > revere [verb (transitive)]
honourc1275
shamec1384
to hold (also have) (a person or thing) in (great, etc.) reverencec1405
worshipc1450
to have, or hold in veneration?a1475
to worship the ground (a person) walks (also treads) onc1525
reverence1548
revere1558
reverent1565
shrine1592
saint1597
venerate1623
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Nun's Priest's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 393 This storie is also trewe..As is the book of Launcelot de Lake That wommen holde in ful gret reuerence.
c1430 (c1395) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) Prol. l. 31 On bokys for to rede I me delyte And in myn herte haue hem in reuerence.
a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (Ph.D. diss., Univ. of Washington) (1965) l. 377 (MED) Aboue alle oþere hiest stood he, And moost was had in reuerence.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 88 Sayng that none euyl ne trouble mighte come to him..as long as he kept & helde hem in reuerence.
1553 R. Eden tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India sig. Cvj Next after the King, ye priestes which serue ye Idols, are had in chiefe reuerence.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Anaximenes in Panoplie Epist. 206 We..haue that man in great reuerence, leaning to his doctrine and precepts Philosophicall.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 828 These dried carkasses they held in great reverence.
1650 J. Trapp Clavis to Bible (Gen. xii. 18) 107 Bradford was had in so great reverence and admiration for his holiness.
1704 J. Swift Tale of Tub viii. 151 The Almighty North. An Antient Deity, whom the Inhabitants of Megalopolis in Greece, had likewise in highest Reverence.
1771 E. Burke Lett. (1960) II. 266 I hold his memory in a Reverence that is almost superstitious.
1848 E. Bulwer-Lytton Harold I. ii. ii. 117 I hold the Church in holy reverence.
1881 H. James Portrait of Lady II. xix. 232 I am perpetually seeing your name in the Times, which, by the way, doesn't appear to hold it in reverence.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 78/2 It was held in great reverence by all Moslems, though it did not possess canonical authority.
1997 J. Bowker World Relig. 116/1 They base their lives on the Bible and, as such, hold in special reverence the revelation of God in Torah.
P4. † b. In oaths and asseverations, esp. at the reverence of God. archaic and rare after 17th cent.
a. at (the) reverence of: out of respect for, in honour of, for the sake of. Now only as in Phrases 4b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [phrase] > out of respect for
in (also for, to) (a person's or god's) worshipeOE
in honour ofc1300
in the reverence that1389
at (the) reverence ofc1405
in deference to1863
c1405 (c1380) G. Chaucer Second Nun's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 82 For bothe haue I the wordes and sentence Of hym that at the Seintes reuerence The storie wroot.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 1413 (MED) At reuerence of hir womanhede Of Antenor he toke þe better hede.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll.) 854 Than shall he..resseyve the Order of Knyghthode at the reverence of the hyghe feste.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 519 The high and mighty prince Humfrey Duke of Gloucester, at the reuerence of God, and for the good of the king.., agreed him [etc.].
1700 F. Atterbury Rights Eng. Convocation 347 At the Reverence of, and for the Love and Tenderness that the King hath to the Chirche, and to the Ministers of the same, he woll that this Bill..be committed to the Archbishops and Bishops.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assertion or affirmation > [phrase]
at the reverence of God1414
aye1576
that's flat1598
or my name is not ——1803
my eye1826
I'm a Dutchman1843
1414 Petition in Rotuli Parl. (1767–77) IV. 57/1 (MED) We beseche ȝow at the reverence of God, that ȝe wole praye to oure liege Lord, [etc.].
1438 in O. T. Bruce Liber Cartarum Prioratus St. Andree (1841) 430 Yhoure humble seruand rycht mekly besekis yhoure hee lordschip..at the reverence of God that yhe wald do me law and resoune.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin 114 (MED) Therfore at the reuerense of god haue pite of me.
1515 in T. Stapleton Plumpton Corr. (1839) 212 Wherfore, at the reverence of God,..remember how we stand unto you.
c1530 T. Wolsey in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. II. 27 At the reverens of God take summe payne now for me, and forsake me nat.
1611 J. Speed Hist. Great Brit. xv. 629 I wot well I haue highly offended to your Highnesse, beseeching you at the reuerence of God, that you like to take mee into the hands of your mercifull and piteous grace.
1656 W. Dugdale Antiq. Warwickshire 123/2 Maister we beseech you at the reverence of the holy Trinity, that you will vouchsafe to receive us to be Brethren of this place with you.
1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. xiv. [Oxen of the Sun] 370 This good sister stood by the door and begged them at the reverence of Jesu our alther liege lord.
P5. in (the) reverence of (also †in the reverence that): = Phrases 4a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [phrase] > out of respect for
in (also for, to) (a person's or god's) worshipeOE
in honour ofc1300
in the reverence that1389
at (the) reverence ofc1405
in deference to1863
1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 67 The brethere and the systres of the seyde Gylde, in the reuerence of god and alle halwyn and..seynte katerine, schulne fyndyn an candede brennennde..in the Chyrche.
?c1450 tr. Bk. Knight of La Tour Landry (1906) 10 (MED) I haue forborn flesshe on the Wednisday in the reuerens that God was solde that day.
?c1450 tr. Bk. Knight of La Tour Landry (1906) 10 (MED) It is good to fast the Saterday for the loue of oure ladi and in the reuerence of her virginite.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 120 Here ye enclyne bothe in token and in reuerence of our lordes meke comyng downe for to be man.
1557 R. Edgeworth Serm. very Fruitfull f. xxviiiv Wherefore God the father exalted him, and gaue him a name aboue all names, and that is had in reuerence of al creatures.
1629 T. Hobbes tr. Thucydides Eight Bks. Peloponnesian Warre iii. 152 In reuerence therefore of the hopes which the Grecians haue reposed in you.
1667 R. Allestree Causes Decay Christian Piety xvi. 367 This great veneration of some Opinions is founded in the reverence of their Authors.
1751 T. Smollett Peregrine Pickle III. lxxxiv. 38 Howsomever, that don't argufy in reverence of his being in a hurry.
1895 W. H. D. Rouse tr. Jataka II. 10 Do not, in reverence of my holiness, Do not devour him.
1999 K. A. Appiah & H. L. Gates Africana 1111/3 All celebrants [at a Kwanzaa feast] drink from the unity cup in reverence of their predecessors.
P6. With possessive adjectives in respectful titles and forms of address.
a.
your reverence n. used as a respectful form of address; in later use given chiefly to a member of the clergy, esp. in Ireland.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > church government > member of the clergy > [noun] > address or title of
his reverencea1438
your reverence?a1440
fathershipa1500
dompnea1536
domine1566
reverendship1609
Revd1670
rookship1710
brother1741
venerability1843
Pfarrer1844
Rev.1862
reverend1869
?a1440 J. Willoughby in Paston Lett. (1904) II. 44 Ryght wursshipfull sire..after dyw recommendacion to yowr reverens, please hit yow to know that yowr lordesship luste to empointe me to abyde yowr noble avys touching the landis of Latemer.
c1450 J. Capgrave Life St. Katherine (Arun. 396) (1893) iv. 1094 (MED) Sir emperour..I haue..On-to youre reuerens declared ful weel Whi my lord Ihesu of seruauntis his Wolde suffre al this peyne.
1576 A. Fleming tr. P. Manutius in Panoplie Epist. 329 The auncient duetifulnesse, which I owe to your reverence.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V i. ii. 20 How many now in health, Shall drop their blood in approbation, Of what your reuerence shall incite vs too.
1687 A. Behn Emperor of Moon i. ii I hope your Reverence will reward my faithful Service with Mopsophil, your Daughters Governante, who is Rich, and has long had my Affection, Sir.
1762 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy VI. vii. 31 A soldier, an' please your reverence, said I, prays as often (of his own accord) as a parson.
1780 W. Cowper Progress of Error 105 Will av'rice and concupiscence give place, Charm'd by the sounds—Your Rev'rence, or Your Grace?
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian vii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. III. 180 ‘Very true, your Reverence,’ replied the beadle.
1853 E. Bulwer-Lytton My Novel I. i. vi. 26 Lord bless your reverence! he does not mind it, he likes it.
1875 D. Boucicault Shaughraun i. iv. 19 Father D. Well, haven't you a word to say for yourself? Conn. Divil a one, your riverence!
1904 J. Conrad Nostromo ii. v. 165 Neither does the other of your reverence's confidants.
a1978 S. T. Warner One Thing leading to Another (1985) 57 ‘Your Reverence, I wouldn't have one of them touch me.’..‘I'm thinking of the talk. They'd say it was dyed’.
b.
his reverence n. (plural their reverences) now somewhat archaic (a respectful title for) a member of the clergy.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > church government > member of the clergy > [noun] > address or title of
his reverencea1438
your reverence?a1440
fathershipa1500
dompnea1536
domine1566
reverendship1609
Revd1670
rookship1710
brother1741
venerability1843
Pfarrer1844
Rev.1862
reverend1869
a1438 Bk. Margery Kempe (1940) i. 35 (MED) I wyl go ty [read to] my Lord of Cawntyrbery..for oþer cawsys & materys whech I haue to schewe to hys reuerens.
?1573 H. Cheke tr. F. Negri Freewyl iii. i. 82 Orbilius goe and looke yf the reuerend maister Cleargie be at his palace, for I must make his reuerence priuie to this matter.
a1635 R. Corbet Poëtica Stromata (1648) 31 And then began his Reverence To speake most eloquent Non-sense.
1691 T. Southerne Sir Anthony Love iii. i But chiefly, for the dear Jest of exposing his Reverence to the laughter of the prophane.
1749 T. Smollett tr. A. R. Le Sage Gil Blas I. i. viii. 36 Bring us only the purse of his reverence; that is all we expect of thee.
1762 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy VI. xxv. 108 Now that I can do this, in spight of their reverences—the occasion is lost.
1807 G. Crabbe Parish Reg. iii, in Poems 130 To a new Style his Reverence rashly took.
1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany xii. 212 A boat containing two Abbés was in the same predicament as we, and I could not believe that a Breton sailor would cheat their Reverences.
1881 W. Besant & J. Rice Chaplain of Fleet I. iv. 91 His reverence will be found up and ready for good works.
1987 E. Pargeter Green Branch (BNC) 184 You are making things difficult for his reverence, Harry.
c. † her reverence n. humorous Obsolete rare used as a title of respect for a woman.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous forms of address or title > [noun] > title > for a woman
her reverence1802
Miz1858
Ms1901
mizz1972
mama1977
1802 W. Scott Let. 2 Mar. (1932) I. 138 Returning Lady Juliana Berners, with my very best thanks for the use of her reverence's work.
P7. † a. Scottish. under the reverence of: with the permission of; by the leave of. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > permission > [phrase] > by permission of
by your leavec1330
with your leavea1400
under the reverence of1533
by (also with) (a person's) patience1588
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1901) I. iii. vii. 271 Forder vnder þe reuerence of Claudius & valerius, now deceissit, I say ȝe war enterit with victorius ensenȝeis in þe capitoll.
b. Chiefly Scottish. in (also at) (a person's) reverence, in (also into, under) the reverence of: in someone or something's power or control; in the hands of; under an obligation to someone. Now rare. Sc. National Dict. at reverence records this sense as still in use in Argyllshire in 1968.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > in or into subjection [phrase] > in or to a person's power
under (also beneath) the foot (or feet) ofeOE
at (also in) the mercy ofa1375
in (also at) (a person's) reverence1596
in a person's lurch1607
at (also occasionally in) mercya1616
1596 in R. C. MacLeod Bk. Dunvegan (1938) I. 73 His lordship would caus the Lord Lowett steale fray all the petendit [sic] richt..that he alledgit to the landis of Glenelg and thair withal to be in his rewerence for the discharging of the persuite of the said herschip.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iii. 87 Which Serpents..being all three rolling within the couerture of the dry sands, my right legge was almost in their reuerence before I remarked the danger.
1645 King Charles I Let. 19 Feb. in Kings Cabinet Opened vi. 6 [I] pretend to have a little more wit..then to put my selfe into the reverence of perfidious rebels.
1645 S. Rutherford Tryal & Triumph of Faith xviii. 223 I come this day, this morning, under the reverence of Justice, Grace pardoneth me.
1706 in Sc. Antiquary (1898) 12 99 To be at the Engleses reverence, to be ruled and guided in a' things be them.
1797 Session Papers in Sc. National Dict. (1968) VII. (at cited word) She was never farther in his or any man's reverence for keeping of secrets.
1822 J. Galt Sir Andrew Wylie I. v. 36 When your birsies are up—I would na come in your reverence then for something.
1914 J. M. Hay Gillespie iii. iii It's no' chancy comin' in his raiverence.
1940 L. McInnes in Sc. National Dict. (at cited word) ‘I wadna be in his reverence’ i.e. I wouldn't be under obligation to him: I wouldn't accept a favour from him.
c. Scottish. out of the reverence of (also out of (a person's) reverence): beyond someone's power or control; under no obligation. Now rare. Sc. National Dict. at reverence records this sense as still in use in Argyllshire in 1968.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > freedom or liberty > independence > independent [phrase] > beyond dependence on
out of the reverence of1677
1677 in M. P. Brown Suppl. Dict. Decisions Court of Session (1826) III. 128 To put wrong out of his reverence, they do not allow him..to execute the law alone.
1684 in W. Fraser Red Bk. Grandtully (1868) II. 264 I am very anxious to have it out of the reverence of ill willers.
1737 J. Drummond Mem. Locheill (1842) 127 He made some few of them prissoners, whome he destributed among such of his men as lived out of the reverence of the Garrison.
1821 J. Galt Ayrshire Legatees viii. 233 Great reason have I to be thankful that the legacy has put me out of the reverence of my stipend.
1891 W. Grant Anecd. 5 As the boat approached the shore the old man observed—‘That's richt, Tavit; spoke Him fair, Tavit; we'll soon be oot o' His reeverence.’
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2010; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
reverencev.
/ˈrɛv(ə)rəns/, /ˈrɛv(ə)rn̩s/, U.S. /ˈrɛvərn̩s/, /ˈrɛv(ə)rəns/ a. transitive. To greet (a person) with deep respect; to pay respect to (a person) by bowing, kneeling, etc.; to make obeisance to. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > reverence > revere [verb (transitive)] > show reverence to
reverencec1400
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xv. 5 (MED) Somme..leten [me] for a lorel and loth to reuerencen Lordes or ladyes.
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) 251 (MED) Arþour bifore þe hiȝ dece þat auenture byholdez, & rekenly hym reuerenced.
c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure 3201 (MED) This roye ryall..Reuerence the Romayns in his riche table.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 690/1 I reverence, or do obeyssaunce or honour to any other person, or make curtesye to him.
?a1562 G. Cavendish Life Wolsey (1959) 111 He most humbly Reuerencyd hyme vppon his knee.
1607 S. Rowlands Famous Hist. Guy of Warwicke (Hunterian Club) 81 This said, in humble duty..Guy reverenceth the King, and so departs.
1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 215 Shanavas-Can, when people approach'd near him, caus'd himself to be Reverenc'd the first time, like the King of Persia Himself.
1711 J. Bingham Origines Ecclesiasticæ III. viii. v. 176 This was usually adorned and beautifyed very richly, he thinks, with Gold and precious Stones, and sometimes reverenced with the Kisses or Salutations of the People.
1776 J. Fletcher Vindic. Wesley's Calm Addr. iii. 59 Have they paid any respect to our noblemen? Have they reverenced the king himself?
1809 S. T. Coleridge Coll. Lett. (1959) III. 214 Had I not known the Author, I would willingly have travelled from St Michael's Mount to Johnny Groat's House on a pilgrimage to see & reverence him.
b. transitive. To treat (a person) with respect, deference, or honour. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [verb (transitive)] > show respect for
wortheOE
to do worship to (also till, for)OE
honourc1275
worshipc1300
to make feasta1325
to do (a person or thing) honourc1330
observec1390
reverencec1400
weigh1423
honourable1455
worthya1500
honorify1606
to rise up to (also unto)1621
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xiv. 206 Þe riche is reuerenced [c1400 C text yreuerencede] by resoun of his richchesse, Þere þe pore is put bihynde.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) §329 Inreuerence is whan men do nat honour ther as hem oghte to doon and waiteth to be reuerenced [v.rr. reuerensed, Reuerenset].
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Baruch iv. 15 He brouȝte on hem..an yuel folk..that reuerensiden not an eld man.
c1450 (a1425) Metrical Paraphr. Old Test. (Selden) 16826 (MED) Þis sall be his mede, þat þe kyng wyll reuerence with renown.
1592 Greenes Groats-worth of Witte sig. B2 How I haue beene reurenst thou seest, when honester men I confesse haue been sett farre off.
c. transitive. In extended use with reference to an animal, object, etc. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > [verb (transitive)]
haveeOE
weenc1000
praisec1250
setc1374
set by1393
endaunt1399
prizec1400
reverencec1400
tender1439
repute1445
to have (also make, take) regard to or that1457
to take, make, set (no) count of (upon, by)c1475
pricec1480
to make (great, etc.) account (also count, esteem, estimation, reckoning, regard, store) of1483
force1509
to look upon ——c1515
to have (also hold) in estimationc1522
to make reckoning of1525
esteem1530
regard1533
to tell, make, hold, set (great, little, no) store of1540
value1549
to make dainty of (anything)1555
reckon1576
to be struck on1602
agrade1611
respect1613
beteem1627
appreciate1648
to put, set (an) esteem, a high, low esteem upon1665
to think small beer of1816
to think the world of1826
existimate1847
reckon1919
rate1973
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xii. 260 (MED) Þe pecok for his fetheres is reuerenced.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xv. 502 (MED) Þe red noble Is reuerenced [c1400 C text yreuerenced] or þe Rode.
?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) iii. pr. ix. l. 2302 A þing þat is..suffisaunt and myȝty..it nys no doute þat it nis [read is] ryȝt worþi to ben reuerenced.
1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. ii. 20 Infinite trades which serue one another, the smaller reuerensing the greater.
2.
a. transitive. To regard with reverence or veneration as having a divine or sacred character; (more generally) to worship.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > [verb (transitive)]
heryc735
wortheOE
hallowa1000
blessOE
worshipa1200
servec1225
anourec1275
adorec1300
glorify1340
laud1377
magnifya1382
praisea1382
sacre1390
feara1400
reverencec1400
anorna1425
adorn1480
embrace1490
elevatea1513
reverent1565
god1595
venerate1623
thanksgivea1638
congratule1657
doxologizea1816
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xvii. 277 (MED) Euery manere good man may be likned to a torche, Or elles to a tapre, to reuerence þe Trinitee.
a1425 (?c1375) N. Homily Legendary (Harl.) in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 23 He bad hym reuerence right A maumet þat þai cald ‘god of light’.
c1475 (c1445) R. Pecock Donet (1921) 200 (MED) God is reuerend, hiȝe, digne, good, and worþy to be reuerencid.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 690/1 It is a joy to any good subject to se howe our prince reverenseth almygthy God.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. x. 43 b The temple of Neptune [was] greatly reuerenced.
1611 Bible (King James) Lev. xix. 30 Ye shall keepe my Sabbaths, and reuerence my Sanctuary. View more context for this quotation
1654 J. Bramhall Just Vindic. Church of Eng. i. 5 The famous Canon of the General Councel of Ephesus, which Gregory the Great reverenced as one of the four Gospels.
1685 R. Baxter Paraphr. New Test. Mark iv. 39 How greatly should he be reverenced and obeyed by man, whom..all Creatures must obey.
1742 W. Law Appeal to All that Doubt iii. 211 They eat and drink Damnation to themselves, not discerning, that is, not regarding, not reverencing, not humbly adoring the Mysteries of the Lord's Body.
1755 J. Hervey Theron & Aspasio III. 335 Let Him not only reverence Christ, as the incarnate God, and therefore mighty to save; but also receive Christ as his God, and therefore willing to save.
a1822 P. B. Shelley Homer's Hymn to Mercury lxiv, in Posthumous Poems (1824) 316 I reverence the divine Sun and the Gods.
1883 J. A. Froude Short Stud. 4th Ser. i. i. 14 While they could feel no respect for the clergy as men, they feared their powers and reverenced their office.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 380/2 Agobard was reverenced as a saint in Lyons.
1987 H. Turtledove Misplaced Legion ii. 26 Reverencing the sun is a simple enough religion.
b. transitive. To regard or treat with deep respect; to hold in high esteem as being of an exalted or superior kind.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > reverence > revere [verb (transitive)]
honourc1275
shamec1384
to hold (also have) (a person or thing) in (great, etc.) reverencec1405
worshipc1450
to have, or hold in veneration?a1475
to worship the ground (a person) walks (also treads) onc1525
reverence1548
revere1558
reverent1565
shrine1592
saint1597
venerate1623
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) at Colo To loue and reuerence one as it were his owne father.
1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions Pref. 12 Their successours so woundered at their wisedomes, and so reuerenced their loue and endeuours.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xviij The greatest part of Germany..reuerence him as their chiefe ornament and refuge.
1606 W. Warner Continuance Albions Eng. xv. xcix. 390 There is an Academie, which I reuerence so much.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxx. 185 When the Soveraign himselfe is Popular; that is reverenced and beloved of his People.
1725 I. Watts Logick iii. ii. 466 Some wise, great, or good Men, whose Authority we reverence, and hardly dare oppose.
1785 W. Cowper Task v. 300 Such dupes are men to custom, and so prone To rev'rence what is ancient.
1823 C. Lamb Praise of Chimney-sweepers in Elia 249 I reverence these young Africans of our own growth—these almost clergy imps.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iv. 452 Work was to be done, however, which could be trusted to no man who reverenced law.
1919 E. Wharton French Ways iii. iii. 43 The French have always felt and reverenced the beauty of their rivers.
1993 R. Middleton Studying Pop. Music (BNC) 42 It was in this context that the Beats reverenced modern jazz.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > reverence > revere [verb (transitive)] > greatly or immoderately
worshipc1450
to worship the ground (a person) walks (also treads) onc1525
deify1590
idolize1605
idolatrize1615
reverence1748
pedestal1802
to put (also place, etc.) on a pedestal1811
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa IV. xxvi. 141 The moment I beheld her, my heart was dastardiz'd, damp'd, and reverenced over.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2010; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.c1300
v.c1400- towillee
- towin
- towin surfer
- towin surfing
- towing
- towing barge
- towing bollard
- towing bracket
- towing net
- towing-banquette
- towing-bitts
- towing-boom
- towing-bridle
- towing-gear
- towing-hook
- towing-lights
- towing-mill
- towing-net
- towing-path
- towing-post
- towing-rope
- towing-timber
- towing-vessel
- towingbanquette
- towingbitts