A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1622-1700+
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Wil(l)-worship, n. [e.m.E. wil-worship (1549), will-worship (1611).] Worship according to one's own will, without scriptural authority; superstition. 1622 Scot Course of Conformity 116.
The observation of one day is good service to God, and the observation of another is will worship and superstition 1622 Scot Course of Conformity 125.
The second commandement … while enjoyning to worship the true God according to His will, dischargeth all invention and will worship 1638 Henderson Serm. 136.
Idolatry and will-worship a1658 Durham Comm. Rev. 419.
Tradition is brought in place of scripture, will-worship and ceremonies for the practice of holy duties 1664 Pitcairn Spiritual Sacrifice 114.
Wil-worship 1711 Dunkeld Presb. II 279.
Likeas, the purity of Gospel ordinances, free from the dregs of idolatrie, superstition and wil-worship
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"Wil-worship n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/will_worship>
