OBSERVANCE


Meaning of OBSERVANCE in English

-vən(t)s noun

( -s )

Etymology: Middle English observaunce, from Old French observance, from Late Latin observantia, from Latin, regard, respect, from observant-, observans (present participle of observare ) + -ia

1.

a. : something (as an act of religious or ceremonial nature) that is carried out in accord with prescribed forms : a customary practice, rite, or ceremony

b. : a rule or set of regulations governing members of a religious order

c. usually capitalized , Roman Catholicism : the ordinances governing the strict Franciscans

2.

a. : the performance of a customary rite (as of ceremony or religion)

do the observance due to sprightly May — John Dryden

our customary Sabbath observances

b. : an act or the practice of paying due heed to something established (as a rule, law, custom) : an attending, participating in, or following with care

observance of the speed laws

3. archaic : respectful and dutiful service or attention (as to a person) : deferential courtesy

4. : an act or instance of observing : attention , observation

observance of life

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.