Zeal (zēl), n. [F. zèle; cf. Pg. & It. zelo, Sp. zelo, celo; from L. zelus, Gr. &unr_;, probably akin to &unr_; to boil. Cf. Yeast, Jealous.][1913 Webster]
1. Passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything; eagerness in favor of a person or cause; ardent and active interest; engagedness; enthusiasm; fervor. “Ambition varnished o'er with zeal.” Milton. “Zeal, the blind conductor of the will.” Dryden. “Zeal's never-dying fire.” Keble.[1913 Webster]
I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
A zeal for liberty is sometimes an eagerness to subvert with little care what shall be established.
2. A zealot. [Obs.] B. Jonson.[1913 Webster]
Zeal, v. i. To be zealous. [Obs. & R.] Bacon.[1913 Webster]