[f. as prec. + WORSHIP sb.] The worship or adoration of fire.
1774. J. Bryant, A New System; or, an Analysis of Ancient Mythology, I. 210. Here was the source of fire-worship: and all the country was replete with bitumen and fire.
1871. Tylor, Prim. Cult., II. 254. The fire-worship of Assyria, Chaldea, Phœnicia, is famous in history, the fire-pillars, the temple of the Tyrian Baal where stood no image but the eternal fire burning on the hearth, the Canaanitish Moloch to whom (whether in actual or symbolic sacrifice) children were passed through the fire.
So Fire-worshipper, one who worships fire, a follower of Zoroaster.
1806. T. Maurice, Fall Mogul, Introduction, p. xix. Persees, who, though in these pages denominated fire-worshippers, are represented by enlightened travellers as only adoring the supreme Deity in their favourite symbols of the sun and fire.
1879. Sir G. G. Scott, Lect. Archit., I. 13. As well might it be attempted to sever Grecian architecture from the mythology and traditions of the Greeks, merely because some of its details may find their prototypes in Egypt or Assyria, or to disconnect the native architecture of India from their religion, because its first inspiration seems traceable to the Fire-worshippers of ancient Persia!
