[f. as prec. + Gr. λατρεία worship.] Worship of the church; excessive reverence for church forms and traditions. So Ecclesiolater [cf. idolater], one who is guilty of ‘ecclesiolatry.’
1847. J. W. Donaldson, Vindication of Protestant Princ., 26. The Anglican Ecclesiolatry of the Archbishop. Ibid., Pref. p. vii. With regard to the Ecclesiolaters.
1853. W. J. Conybeare, Ess. Eccles. & Soc. (1855), 161. If a champion of ecclesiolatry is qualified by talents or position to render good service to his partisans, [etc.].
1881. Crawford, in Ch. Bells, 25 June, 477/2. The uncompromising ecclesiolatry which many goodmen have … adopted as part of their religion.
