Mariolatry

[mair-ee-ol-uh-tree]

noun

1. excessive (and proscribed) veneration of the Virgin Mary, especially in forms appropriate to God.

2. veneration of women.

Mariolatry

/ ˌmɛərɪˈɒlətrɪ /

noun

1. derogatory,  exaggerated veneration of the Virgin Mary

Other Word Forms

• Mariolater noun
• Mariolatrous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mariolatry¹

First recorded in 1605–15; Mary + -o- + -latry

Example Sentences

In short, those of us who pursue Mariolatry—the worship of all things Poppins—are free to delight in this film.

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We may attribute his action either to his zeal for the extirpation of Mariolatry, or to his fear lest sacred legend should be confounded with sacred history.

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The Virgin Mary, especially, became the refuge in time of need, and this gave rise to the shameful "mariolatry."

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Mariolatry, mā-ri-ol′a-tri, n. the undue worship of the Virgin Mary—the veneration paid to her is strictly Hyperdulia.—n.

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Mariol′ater, one who practises mariolatry.

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