ˌsüpə(r)ˈstishən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English supersticion, from Middle French, from Latin superstition-, superstitio, from superstit-, superstes standing over (as witness, victor, or survivor) (from super- + -stit- — akin to stare to stand) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at stand
1.
a. : a belief, conception, act, or practice resulting from ignorance, unreasoning fear of the unknown or mysterious, morbid scrupulosity, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation
the superstition that a black cat crossing one's path portends bad luck
superstitions such as child-sacrifice, divination, soothsaying, enchantments, sorceries, charms (by magic knots, spells, or incantations), ghosts, spiritualistic mediums, necromancy — D.R.Scott
b. : an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from such beliefs, conceptions, or fears
2.
a. : idolatrous religion
b. : idolatry
an alien religion whose superstitions and ritual were regarded with abhorrence — J.H.Plumb
3. : a fixed irrational idea : a notion maintained in spite of evidence to the contrary
the superstition that society can only be built on a foundation of unconditional command and absolute obedience — Karl Renner