over-zealous, a.
(ˈəʊvəˈzɛləs)
[over- 28.]
Too zealous; actuated by too much zeal.
| a 1635 Naunton Fragm. Reg. (Arb.) 25 They two were ever of the Kings Religion, and over-zealous professors. a 1703 Burkitt On N.T. John xviii. 28 When persons are over-zealous for ceremonial observations, they are oftentimes too remiss with reference to moral duties. 1860 Froude Hist. Eng. V. xxiv. 33 The overzealous curates were committed to the Tower. |
So ˈover-ˈzealously adv.; ˈoverˈzealousness.
| 1667 Lond. Gaz. No. 129/3 The Bishop is remembred..to have over-zealously pursued the French interest. 1849 H. Mayo Truths in Pop. Superstit. ii. 41 Cases..in which the anxiety of friends or the overzealousness of a coroner is liable to lead to premature anatomization. |