Part 242

4. Disposal; power of disposal. [Obs.]

They are entirely at our devotion, and may be turned backward and forward, as we please.

Godwin.

5. A thing consecrated; an object of devotion. [R.]

Churches and altars, priests and all devotions, Tumbled together into rude chaos.

Beau. & Fl.

Days of devotion. See under Day.

Syn. -- Consecration; devoutness; religiousness; piety; attachment; devotedness; ardor; earnestness.

De*vo"tion*al (?), a. [L. devotionalis.] Pertaining to, suited to, or used in, devotion; as, a devotional posture; devotional exercises; a devotional frame of mind.

{ De*vo"tion*al*ist, De*vo"tion*ist, } n. One given to devotion, esp. to excessive formal devotion.

De*vo`tion*al"i*ty (?), n. The practice of a devotionalist. A. H. Clough.

De*vo"tion*al*ly (?), adv. In a devotional manner; toward devotion.

||De*vo"to (?), n. [It.] A devotee. Dr. J. Scott.

De*vo"tor (?), n. [L.] A worshiper; one given to devotion. [Obs.] Beau. & Fl.

De*vour" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Devoured (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Devouring.] [F. dévorer, fr. L. devorare; de + vorare to eat greedily, swallow up. See Voracious.] 1. To eat up with greediness; to consume ravenously; to feast upon like a wild beast or a glutton; to prey upon.

Some evil beast hath devoured him.

Gen. xxxvii. 20.

2. To seize upon and destroy or appropriate greedily, selfishly, or wantonly; to consume; to swallow up; to use up; to waste; to annihilate.

Famine and pestilence shall devour him.

Ezek. vii. 15.

I waste my life and do my days devour.

Spenser.

3. To enjoy with avidity; to appropriate or take in eagerly by the senses.

Longing they look, and gaping at the sight, Devour her o'er with vast delight.

Dryden.

Syn. -- To consume; waste; destroy; annihilate.

De*vour"a*ble (?), a. That may be devoured.

De*vour"er (?), n. One who, or that which, devours.