Emily Dickinson Lexicon

OB-SERVE', v.t. [obzerv'; L. observo; ob and servo, to keep or hold. The sense is to fold in view, or to keep the eye on. See Class Sr, No. 34, 33, 45, and Class Dr, No. 32.]

1. To see or behold with some attention; to notice; as, to observe a halo round the moon; I observed a singular phenomenon; we observe strangers or their dress. I saw the figure, but observed nothing peculiar in it.
2. To take notice or cognizance of by the intellect. We observe nice distinctions in arguments, or a peculiar delicacy of thought.
3. To utter or express, as a remark, opinion or sentiment; to remark. He observed that no man appears great to his domestics.
4. To keep religiously; to celebrate. A night to be much observed to the Lord. Exod. xii. Ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread. Exod. xii. Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. Gal. iv.
5. To keep or adhere to in practice; to comply with; to obey; as, to observe the laws of the state; to observe the rules and regulations of a society. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. Matth. xxviii.
6. To practice. In the days of Enoch, the people observed not circumcision or the sabbath. White.