reverential, a. (and n.)
(rɛvəˈrɛnʃəl)
[ad. med.L. *reverentiāl-is, f. L. reverentia reverence: see -al1. So F. révérenciel, † reverential, Sp. and Pg. reverencial, It. re-, riverenziale.]
1. Of the nature of, inspired or characterized by, reverence; reverent.
| c 1555 Harpsfield Divorce Hen. VIII (Camden) 148 He did it for a reverential fear he had of his father. a 1631 Donne Poems (1650) 4 Wilt thou say..that oaths made in reverentiall feare of love..any may forsweare? 1676 Glanvill Ess. Philos. & Relig. i. 26 Their Progress hath not been retarded by this reverential awe of former Discoveries. 1714 R. Fiddes Pract. Disc. ii. 150 A filial and reverential fear of God is necessary. 1797 Mrs. Radcliffe Italian xx, He was rather to be looked up to with reverential admiration. 1826 Scott Woodst. i, Their behaviour in the church was any thing but reverential or edifying. 1855 Macaulay Hist. Eng. xix. IV. 377 The members..returned an answer in reverential and affectionate language. 1876 Freeman Norm. Conq. V. xxiv. 388 To change this reverential preference for the kingly stock into a definite rule of hereditary descent. |
† 2. = dimissory a. 2. Obs. rare—1.
| 1570 Foxe A. & M. (ed. 2) 1518/2 Desiring instantly.., accordyng to the lawes, letters reuerenciall or demissories, to bee geuen and deliuered vnto me in this behalfe. |
3. Inspiring reverence; venerable, reverend. rare.
| 1654 Gayton Pleas. Notes iii. vi. 106 The Reverentiall Lady Meredina, and many more of her traine. 1656 Artif. Handsom. 187 Of which [a] fatherly, prolixe and reverentiall beard is a solemne sign and majestick Embleme. 1790 Umfreville Hudson's Bay 24 Innumerable stars.., added to the beautiful appearance of the moon, make a most reverential and splendid appearance. 1804 E. de Acton Tale without Title II. 133 The office of a spiritual instructor..being so endearing as well as reverential. |
b. n. pl. Those attributes or qualities which command respect. nonce-use.
| 1740–1 Richardson Pamela IV. 301 If she would lay Claim to her Reverentials, as I may say, and not endeavour to conceal her Age. |
Hence reverentiˈality.
| 1835 Sir H. Taylor in Corr. (1888) 68, I laughed inwardly at the reverentiality of the Editor of ‘Blackwood’. |