The act of obeying, or the state of being obedient; compliance with that which is required by authority; subjection to rightful restraint or control. Government must compel the obedience of individuals. Ames.
Words or actions denoting submission to authority; dutifulness. Shak.
A following; a body of adherents; as, the Roman Catholic obedience, or the whole body of persons who submit to the authority of the pope.
A cell (or offshoot of a larger monastery) governed by a prior.
One of the three monastic vows. Shipley.
The written precept of a superior in a religious order or congregation to a subject. Canonical obedience. See under Canonical. -- Passive obedience. See under Passive.
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