King James Bible Dictionary

OBSERVE, verb transitive obzerv'. [Latin observo; ob and servo, to keep or hold. The sense is to hold in view, or to keep the eyes on.]

1. To see or behold with some attention; to notice; as, to observe a halo round the moon; I observed a singular phenomenon; we observe strangers or their dress. I saw the figure, but observed nothing peculiar in it.

2. To take notice or cognizance of by the intellect. We observe nice distinctions in arguments, or a peculiar delicacy of thought.

3. To utter or express, as a remark, opinion or sentiment; to remark. He observed that no man appears great to his domestics.

4. To keep religiously; to celebrate.

A night to be much observed to the Lord. Exodus 12:17.

Ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread. Exodus 12:17.

Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. Galatians 4:10.

5. To keep or adhere to in practice; to comply with; to obey; as, to observe the laws of the state; to observe the rules and regulations of a society.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Matthew 28:20.

6. To practice.

In the days of Enoch, the people observed not circumcision or the sabbath.

OBSERVE, verb intransitive observ'.

1. To remark. I have heard the gentleman's arguments, and shall hereafter observe upon them.

2. To be attentive.

OBSERV'ED, participle passive s as z.

1. Noticed by the eye or the mind.

2. Kept religiously; celebrated; practiced.

OBSERV'ER, noun s as z.

1. One who observes; one that takes notice; particularly, one who looks to with care, attention or vigilance.

Careful observers may foretell the hour, by sure prognostic, when to dread a shower.

Creditors are great observers of set days and times.

2. A beholder; a looker on; a spectator.

3. One who keeps any law, custom, regulation or rite; one who adheres to any thing in practice; one who performs; as a great observer of forms; an observer of old customs.

4. One who fulfills or performs; as, he is a strict observer of his word or promise.

5. One who keeps religiously; as an observer of the sabbath.