\Fa*nat"ic\, a. [L. fanaticus inspired by divinity,
enthusiastic, frantic, fr. fanum fane: cf. F. fanatique. See
{Fane}.]
Pertaining to, or indicating, fanaticism; extravagant in
opinions; ultra; unreasonable; excessively enthusiastic,
especially on religious subjects; as, fanatic zeal; fanatic
notions.
      But Faith, fanatic Faith, once wedded fast To some dear
      falsehood, hugs it to the last.          --T. Moore.

\Fa*nat"ic\, n.
A person affected by excessive enthusiasm, particularly on
religious subjects; one who indulges wild and extravagant
notions of religion.
      There is a new word, coined within few months, called
      fanatics, which, by the close stickling thereof,
      seemeth well cut out and proportioned to signify what
      is meant thereby, even the sectaries of our age.
                                               --Fuller
                                               (1660).
      Fanatics are governed rather by imagination than by
      judgment.                                --Stowe.