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

Derived Forms

• ˌMariˈolater, noun
• ˌMariˈolatrous, adjective

Other Words From

• Mari·ola·ter noun
• Mari·ola·trous 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.

From The New Yorker

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Mariol′ater, one who practises mariolatry.

From Project Gutenberg