I.a watching, observing, observance (class.).
I. In gen.: “observationi operam dare,” Plaut. Mil. 2, 6, 5: “siderum,” Cic. Div. 1, 1, 2.—As a gift or faculty, the power of observation, Plin. 18, 29, 69, § 284.—
II. In partic.
A. An office, duty, service (eccl. Lat.): “Dei sui et expiationis,” Vulg. 2 Esdr. 12, 44: “in observationibus sicut fas est,” id. 1 Macc. 12, 11.—
B. An observation, remark; a precept, rule (post-Aug.), Plin. 17, 21, 35, § 163: “dare observationes aliquas coquendi,” id. 22, 23, 47, § 99: “sermonis antiqui,” Suet. Gram. 24.—
C. In partic., circumspection, care, exactness: “summa erat observatio in bello movendo,” Cic. Off. 1, 11, 36.—
D. Regard, respect, esteem, reverence (post-class.): “religionibus suam observationem reddere,” Val. Max. 1, 1, 8: “Christianitatis, Cod. Th. 12, 1, 112: divina,” ib. 12, 1, 104.—
E. Display, outward show (eccl. Lat.): “non venit regnum Dei cum observatione,” Vulg. Luc. 17, 20.—
F. Observance: “dierum,” Gell. 3, 2, 3.
