n. 1. Great fear in view of impending evil; fearful apprehension of danger; anticipatory terror. [ 1913 Webster ] The secret dread of divine displeasure. Tillotson. [ 1913 Webster ] The dread of something after death. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Reverential or respectful fear; awe. [ 1913 Webster ] The fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every beast of the earth. Gen. ix. 2. [ 1913 Webster ] His scepter shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. An object of terrified apprehension. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. A person highly revered. [ Obs. ] “Una, his dear dread.” Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Fury; dreadfulness. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. Doubt; as, out of dread. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. Syn. -- Awe; fear; affright; terror; horror; dismay; apprehension. See Reverence. [ 1913 Webster ] |