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One of a sect; a member or adherent of a special school, denomination, or religious or philosophical party; one of a party in religion which has separated itself from established church, or which holds tenets different from those of the prevailing denomination in a state.

ound by monastic vows or rules; not confined to a monastery, or subject to the rules of a religious community; as, a secular priest. He tried to enforce a stricter discipline and greater regard for morals, both in the religious orders and the secular clergy. Prescett.

One who theoretically rejects every form of religious faith, and every kind of religious worship, and accepts only the facts and influences which are derived from the present life; also, one who believes that education and other matters of civil policy should be managed without the introduction of a religious element.…

f being rendered secular; conversion from regular or monastic to secular; conversion from religious to lay or secular possession and uses; as, the secularization of church property.

An examination into one's own state, conduct, and motives, particularly in regard to religious feelings and duties.

Specifically, a discourse delivered in public, usually by a clergyman, for the purpose of religious instruction and grounded on some text or passage of Scripture. This our life exempt from public haunts Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones and good in everything. Shak. His preaching mu…

ferior, domestic, serf, slave, hired assistant, official helper, etc.; specifically, in a religious sense, to obey and worship. God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit. Rom. i. 9. Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. Gen. xxix. 18. No man can serve two mast…

Office of devotion; official religious duty performed; religious rites appropriate to any event or ceremonial; as, a burial service. The outward service of ancient religion, the rites, ceremonies, and ceremonial vestments of the old law. Coleridge.

One of the order of the Religious Servants of the Holy Virgin, founded in Florence in 1223.

f meaning in synonyms. New shades and combinations of thought. De Quincey. Every shade of religious and political opinion has its own headquarters. Macaulay. The Shades, the Nether World; the supposed abode of souls after leaving the body.

One of a religious sect who do not marry, popularly so called from the movements of the members in dancing, which forms a part of their worship.

A man shaved; hence, a monk, or other religious; -- used in contempt. I am no longer a shaveling than while my frock is on my back. Sir W. Scott.

The pastor of a church; one with the religious guidance of others. Shepherd bird (Zoöl.), the crested screamer. See Screamer. -- Shepherd dog (Zoöl.), a breed of dogs used largely for the herding and care of sheep. There are several kinds, as the collie, or Scotch shepherd dog, and the English shepherd dog. Called als…

One of the two great systems of religious belief in Japan. Its essence is ancestor worship, and sacrifice to dead heroes. [Written also Sintu, and Sintuism.]

A religious sect noted for warlike traits, founded in the Punjab at the end of the 15th century.

A peculiar species of poetry, for the most part devoted to moral and religious topics, and commonly satirical, -- often used by the troubadours of the Middle Ages.

Marked with religious rites and pomps; enjoined by, or connected with, religion; sacred. His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned. Milton. The worship of this image was advanced, and a solemn supplication observed everry year. Bp. Stillingfleet.

A rite or ceremony performed with religious reverence; religious or ritual ceremony; as, the solemnity of a funeral, a sacrament. Great was the cause; our old solemnities From no blind zeal or fond tradition rise, But saved from death, our Argives yearly pay These grateful honors to the god of day. Pope.…

t the baptism of an infant professore the christian faith in its name, and guarantees its religious education; a godfather or godmother.

ed to perform; sphere of duty or occupation; employment. By spending this day [Sunday] in religious exercises, we acquire new strength and resolution to perform God's will in our several stations the week following. R. Nelson.