[re.li.gious] adj [ME, fr. OF religieus, fr. L religiosus, fr. religio] (13c) 1: relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity "a ~ person" "~ attitudes"
2: of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances 3 a: scrupulously and conscientiously faithful b: fervent, zealous -- re.li.gious.ly adv -- re.li.gious.ness n
[2]religious n, pl religious [ME, fr. OF religieus, fr. religieus, adj.] (13c): a member of a religious order under monastic vows