Mariolatry

American  

[mair-ee-ol-uh-tree] / ˌmɛər iˈɒl ə tri /

noun

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

2. veneration of women.

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Mariolatry British  

/ ˌmɛərɪˈɒlətrɪ /

noun

1. derogatory exaggerated veneration of the Virgin Mary

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Other Word Forms

• Mariolater noun
• Mariolatrous adjective

Etymology

Origin of Mariolatry

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

Example Sentences

Not till the time of the Counter-Reformation did Mariolatry reappear in the higher Italian poetry.

From The Civilisation of the Renaissance in Italy by Burckhardt, Jacob

I do not quite understand why Chaucer must have 'passed through' this fit of devotion; as if he had Mariolatry like the measles.

From Gilbert Keith Chesterton by Ward, Maisie

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.

From Highways and Byways in Cambridge and Ely by Conybeare, Edward

The Mystic City of God is one of the most characteristic monuments of Mariolatry, and has continued to be much in favour with supporters of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg

Mariolatry is only the outgrowth of the seedling that lay dormant in Mary's heart, and is indigenous.

From True Woman, The A Series of Discourses by Fulton, Justin D.