See Also: worshipful(dictionary)

worshipful (iou)



worshipful adjective & noun. ME.
[from WORSHIP noun + -FUL.]
A. adjective.
Distinguished or outstanding in respect of character, rank, or a (good) quality; reputable, honourable; entitled to honour or respect. arch. ME.
Carlyle If not the noblest and worshipfulest of all Englishmen, at least the strongest and terriblest. E. A. Freeman His look was worshipful and kingly.
(Usu. Worshipful.) Designating honorifically a person or body of importance or distinguished rank, as a mayor, justice of the peace, livery company, (the master of) a masonic lodge. Formerly also in gen. use in respectful forms of address. LME.
Showing or bringing honour or distinction to a person; honourable. LME-L15.
Full of worship, adoring. E19.
T. Hardy Her large, worshipful eyes..looking at him from their depths.
Deserving to be worshipped. L19.
b. noun. An honourable, reputable, or distinguished person; spec. a magistrate. Long arch. (joc.). LME.
worshipfully adverb (a) with due honour; (b) in such a way as to express or confer honour; (c) so as to obtain or deserve honour or praise; (d) in a spirit of worship, adoringly: ME.
worshipfulness noun LME.