zealhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zeal_v%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezeal, v.
Revised 2018

† zealverb

Obsolete.
    1. 1.a.
      1542–1687
      transitive. To pursue (an objective) with zeal or passionate enthusiasm; to be zealous in support of (a cause, belief, etc.).
      1. 1542
        A notable exaumple of sapience with whole herte & mynde, feruently desired and zeled [Latin insigne exemplum adamatae sapientiae].
        N. Udall, translation of Erasmus, Apophthegmes i. 69
      2. 1610
        Zeale [Latin zelare] not death in the errour of your life.
        Bible (Douay) vol. II. Wisdom i. 12
      3. 1623
        Blesse and prosper it to both yourselves and to all that truely zeale your truest prosperities.
        Sir R. Naunton in S. R. Gardiner, Fortescue Papers (1871) 193
      4. 1687
        Subjects, not Zealing now, as formerly, their Prince's Glory, contribute less to the Augmentation of it.
        T. Codrington, Serm. before their Majesties 17
    2. 1.b.
      a1626
      intransitive. To act zealously; to demonstrate zeal; to be zealous for or in support of a cause, etc.
      1. a1626
        Stiffe fellowes, and such as zeale marvellously for those whom they have chosen to bee their masters.
        F. Bacon, Wise & Moderate Disc. Church Affaires (1641) 19
  1. 2.
    1549–1642
    transitive. To inspire (a person) with zeal; to cause to become more zealous.
    1. 1549
      Men zealed toward god, but not fit to iudge.
      J. Cheke, Hurt of Sedicion sig. G7
    2. 1642
      They will..stirre up an earnestnesse in them in religion, as zealing their owne being opposed by falshood.
      D. Featley, Vertumnus Romanus 85

zeal, v. was revised in June 2018.

zeal, v. was last modified in December 2023.