[See LIP sb. 6 a (b).] Worship that consists only in words.
1630. Sanderson, Serm., II. 262. The knee-worship, and the cap-worship, and the lip-worship they may have that are in worshipful places and callings.
a. 1716. Blackall, Wks. (1723), I. 216. They worship him in vain, who give him only a Knee, or a Lip-worship.
1862. Merivale, Rom. Emp. (1865), VII. lvi. 75. The lip-worship of courtiers and time-servers.
Hence Lip-worshipper, one whose worship is limited to professions.
1884. Sir A. de Vere, 1st Pt. Mary Tudor, IV. ii. True love Visits not thrones. The lonely sitter there Finds flatterers, lip-worshippers, but not True love.
