observātĭo, ōnis, f. [observo], a watching, observing, observance (class.).
I In gen.: observationi operam dare, Plaut. Mil. 2, 6, 5: siderum, Cic. Div. 1, 1, 2.—As a gift or faculty, the power of observation , Plin. 18, 29, 69, § 284.—
II In partic.
A An office, duty, service (eccl. Lat.): Dei sui et expiationis, Vulg. 2 Esdr. 12, 44: in observationibus sicut fas est, id. 1 Macc. 12, 11.—
B An observation, remark; a precept, rule (post-Aug.), Plin. 17, 21, 35, § 163: dare observationes aliquas coquendi, id. 22, 23, 47, § 99: sermonis antiqui, Suet. Gram. 24.—
C In partic., circumspection, care, exactness : summa erat observatio in bello movendo, Cic. Off. 1, 11, 36.—
D Regard, respect, esteem, reverence (post-class.): religionibus suam observationem reddere, Val. Max. 1, 1, 8: Christianitatis, Cod. Th. 12, 1, 112: divina, ib. 12, 1, 104.—
E Display, outward show (eccl. Lat.): non venit regnum Dei cum observatione, Vulg. Luc. 17, 20.—
F Observance : dierum, Gell. 3, 2, 3.