divinities definition

Origin: F. Divinite, L. Divinitas. See Divine.

1. The state of being divine; the nature or essence of God; deity; godhead. "When he attributes divinity to other things than God, it is only a divinity by way of participation." (Bp. Stillingfleet)

2. The Deity; the Supreme Being; God. "This the divinity that within us." (Addison)

3. A pretended deity of pagans; a false god. "Beastly divinities, and droves of gods." (Prior)

4. A celestial being, inferior to the supreme God, but superior to man. "God . . . Employing these subservient divinities." (Cheyne)

5. Something divine or superhuman; supernatural power or virtue; something which inspires awe. "They say there is divinity in odd numbers." (Shak) "There's such divinity doth hedge a king." (Shak)

6. The science of divine things; the science which treats of God, his laws and moral government, and the way of salvation; theology. "Divinity is essentially the first of the professions." (Coleridge) ase divinity, casuistry.

(01 Mar 1998)