Definition of "reverence"

reverence

/ˈɹɛv.ə.ɹəns/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural reverences
1. Veneration; profound awe and respect, normally in a sacred context.
2. An act of showing respect, such as a bow.
  Quotations
  Make twenty reverences upon receiving […] about twopence.
  August 2, 1758, Oliver Goldsmith, A Letter from a Traveller
3. The state of being revered.
  Quotations
  When discords, and quarrels, and factions, are carried openly and audaciously, it is a sign the reverence of government is lost.
  1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Seditions and Troubles”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret
4. A form of address for some members of the clergy.
5. That which deserves or exacts manifestations of reverence; reverend character; dignity; state.
  Quotations
  Thou hast so wrong'd mine innocent child and me That I am forced to lay my reverence by.
  1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act V, scene i]
verb
third-person singular simple present reverences, present participle reverencing, simple past and past participle reverenced
1. (transitive) To show or feel reverence to.