I.a remarking, noting, regard, observance.
I. In gen.: “temporum observantia,” Vell. 2, 1063. —
II. In partic.
A. Observance, attention, respect, regard, reverence shown to another: “observantia est, per quam aetate, aut sapientiā, aut honore, aut aliquā dignitate antecedentes veremur et colimus,” Cic. Inv. 2, 22, 65: “officia observantiamque dilexit,” id. Balb. 28, 53: “tenuiorum,” id. Mur. 34, 71: “amicos observantiā, rem parsimoniā retinere,” id. Quint. 18, 59: “observantia, quā me colit,” id. Fam. 12, 27, 1: “in regem,” Liv. 1, 35: “eadem pro libertis adversus patronos,” Quint. 11, 1, 66.—
B. An obedient observance; a keeping, following, performing of laws, customs, etc.: “prisci moris observantia,” Val. Max. 2, 6, 7: “juris,” Dig. 1, 2, 2.—
2. An observance of religious duties, divine worship, religion: “fides Catholicae observantiae, Cod. Th. 16, 5, 12, § 54: religio et observantia,” Vulg. 2 Macc. 6, 11.