RELIGIOUS

I. adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French religius, from Latin religiosus, from religio Date: 13th century relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity , of, relating to, or devoted to ~ beliefs or observances , 3. scrupulously and conscientiously faithful, fervent , zealous , ~ly adverb ~ness noun II. noun (plural ~) Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French religius, from religius, adjective Date: 13th century a member of a ~ order under monastic vows