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, or characterized by, zeal; warmly engaged, or ardent, in behalf of an object. He may be zealous in the salvation of souls. Law.

Mistakenly zealous. [Obs.]

Too zealous.

A settled good will; kind feeling; love; zealous or tender attachment; -- often in the pl. Formerly followed by to, but now more generally by for or towards; as, filial, social, or conjugal affections; to have an affection for or towards children. All his affections are set on his own country. Macaulay.…

Kindly inclined; zealous. [Obs.] Johson. Man, in his love God, and desire to please him, can never be too affectionate. Sprat.

Warm, applied to the passions and affections; passionate; fervent; zealous; vehement; as, ardent love, feelings, zeal, hope, temper. An ardent and impetuous race. Macaulay.

An Episcopalian, or a member of the Established Church of England. "A zealous churchman." Macaulay.

unconcerned; reserved. A cold and unconcerned spectator. T. Burnet. No cold relation is a zealous citizen. Burke.

ettlers of New England were the best of Englishmen, well educated, devout Christians, and zealous lovers of liberty. There was never a colony formed of better materials. Ames.

on sentiment of patriotism. She [Britain] rears to freedom an undaunted race, Compatriot, zealous, hospitable, kind. Thomson.

competency of this kingdom to the assertion of the common cause. Burke. To make them act zealously is not in the competence of law. Burke.

To engage in a crusade; to attack in a zealous or hot-headed manner. "Cease crusading against sense." M. Green.

Consecrated to a purpose; strongly attached; zealous; devout; as, a devoted admirer. -- De*vot"ed*ly, adv. -- De*vot"ed*ness, n.

ny object; ardent to pursue, perform, or obtain; keenly desirous; hotly longing; earnest; zealous; impetuous; vehement; as, the hounds were eager in the chase. And gazed for tidings in my eager eyes. Shak. How eagerly ye follow my disgraces! Shak. When to her eager lips is brought Her infant's thrilling kiss. Keble. A…

Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain or do; zealous with sincerity; with hearty endeavor; heartfelt; fervent; hearty; -- used in a good sense; as, earnest prayers. An earnest advocate to plead for him. Shak.

Attentive; zealous. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Filled with enthusiasm; characterized by enthusiasm; zealous; as, an enthusiastic lover of art. "Enthusiastical raptures." Calamy. -- En*thu`si*as"tic*al*ly, adv. A young man . . . of a visionary and enthusiastic character. W. Irving.

Warm in feeling; ardent in temperament; earnest; full of fervor; zealous; glowing. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit. Rom. iii. 11. So spake the fervent angel. Milton. A fervent desire to promote the happiness of mankind. Macaulay. -- Fer"vent*ly, adv. -- Fer"vent*ness, n. Laboring fervently for you in praye…

Ardent; vehement; zealous. The fervid wishes, holy fires. Parnell. -- Fer"vid*ly, adv. -- Fer"vid*ness, n.

-- Greek fire. See under Greek. -- On fire, burning; hence, ardent; passionate; eager; zealous. -- Running fire, the rapid discharge of firearms in succession by a line of troops. -- St. Anthony's fire, erysipelas; -- an eruptive fever which St. Anthony was supposed to cure miraculously. Hoblyn. -- St. Elmo's fir…