\Su`per*sti"tion\, n. [F. superstition, L.
superstitio, originally, a standing still over or by a thing;
hence, amazement, wonder, dread, especially of the divine or
supernatural, fr. superstare to stand over; super over +
stare to stand. See {Super-}, and {Stand}.]
1. An excessive reverence for, or fear of, that which is
   unknown or mysterious.
2. An ignorant or irrational worship of the Supreme Deity;
   excessive exactness or rigor in religious opinions or
   practice; extreme and unnecessary scruples in the
   observance of religious rites not commanded, or of points
   of minor importance; also, a rite or practice proceeding
   from excess of sculptures in religion.
         And the truth With superstitions and traditions
         taint.                                --Milton.
3. The worship of a false god or gods; false religion;
   religious veneration for objects.
         [The accusers] had certain questions against him of
         their own superstition.               --Acts xxv.
                                               19.
4. Belief in the direct agency of superior powers in certain
   extraordinary or singular events, or in magic, omens,
   prognostics, or the like.
5. Excessive nicety; scrupulous exactness.
Syn: Fanaticism.
Usage: {Superstition}, {Fanaticism}. Superstition springs
       from religious feeling misdirected or unenlightened.
       Fanaticism arises from this same feeling in a state of
       high-wrought and self-confident excitement. The former
       leads in some cases to excessive rigor in religious
       opinions or practice; in others, to unfounded belief
       in extraordinary events or in charms, omens, and
       prognostics, hence producing weak fears, or excessive
       scrupulosity as to outward observances. The latter
       gives rise to an utter disregard of reason under the
       false assumption of enjoying a guidance directly
       inspired. Fanaticism has a secondary sense as applied
       to politics, etc., which corresponds to the primary.