Fĕr'vor, n.

n. [Lat. fervor, It. fervore, Pr., Sp., & Pg. fervor, Fr. ferveur. See supra.]

1. Heat; excessive warmth. “The fervor of ensuing day.” Waller.
2. Intensity of feeling; glowing ardor; warm or animated zeal and earnestness in religious feeling or worship. “Winged with the fervor of her love.” Shak.

Syn.—FERVOR. ARDOR. Fervor is a boiling heat, and ardor is a burning heat. Hence, in metaphor, we commonly use fervor and its derivatives when we conceive of thoughts or emotions under the image of ebullition, or as pouring themselves forth. Thus we speak of the fervor of passion, fervid declamation, fervid importunity, fervent supplication, fervent desires, &c. Ardent is used when we think of any thing as springing from a deep-seated glow of soul; as, ardent friendship, ardent zeal, ardent devotedness. “Burning with ardor for the fight.” Hence Milton's application of this term to angels: Nor delayed the winged saint, After his charge received; but, from among Thousand celestial ardors, where he stood Veiled with his gorgeous wings' upspreading light, Flew through the midst of heaven.