devotion, devocion, devocioun, devocyon, devotyoun

[Fr. dévotion; Sp. devo cicn; Ital. divozione; Port. divoção, from Lat. devotio, from devot us, pa. par. of devoveo.] 1. The act of solemnly devoting or dedicating to some purpose. one's time to anything. 2. The act of devoting or applying one's self or *3. The power of devoting or applying to any purpose; disposal. "They are entirely at our devotion , and may be turned backward and forward, as we please."-Godwin: Enquirer, p . 363. 4. The state of being solemnly devoted or dedicated to any particular purpose. *5. That which is solemnly dedicated, or set apart. *6. An offering to God or for religious purposes. "The Deacons, Church-wardens, or other fit person appointed for that purpose, shall receive the alms for the poor, and other devotions of the people, in a decent basin."-Rubric in Communion Service; Book of Common Prayer. 11. A strong, zealous attachment to any person. "He had a particular reverence for the person of the king, and the more extraordinary devotion for that of the prince."-Clarendon. *12. An act expre ive of devotion or attachment. "Upon the like devotion as yourselves, To gratulate the gentle princes there." Shakesp.: Richard III., iv. 1. +13. Earnestne , eagerne , ardor, zeal. they can render it him."- Shakesp .: Coriolanus , ii. 2. he seeks their hate with greater devotion than *dě-vo-tion-äir, s. [O. Fr.] A devotee. "The Lord Chief Justice Hales both devotion air and moralist."-North: Life of Lord Guilford, ii. 264. (Davies.)