veneration Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a feeling of profound respect for someone or something
    fear; awe; reverence.
    • the fear of God
    • the Chinese reverence for the dead
    • the French treat food with gentle reverence
    • his respect for the law bordered on veneration
  2. noun religious zeal; the willingness to serve God
    idolatry; cultism; devotion.

WordNet

Ven`er*a"tion noun
Etymology
L. veneratio: cf. F. vénération.
Definitions
  1. The act of venerating, or the state of being venerated; the highest degree of respect and reverence; respect mingled with awe; a feeling or sentimental excited by the dignity, wisdom, or superiority of a person, by sacredness of character, by consecration to sacred services, or by hallowed associations.
    We find a secret awe and veneration for one who moves about us in regular and illustrious course of virtue. Addison.
    Syn. -- Awe; reverence; respect. See Reverence.

Webster 1913