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

The era of Mariolatry had passed, so far as Nuremberg was concerned.

From Dürer Artist-Biographies by Sweetser, M. F.

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

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.

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

To her, until Mariolatry set in with full intensity, the name of Sant' Iago was a tower of strength.

From An Architect's Note-Book in Spain principally illustrating the domestic architecture of that country. by Wyatt, Matthew Digby