noun

1. 1. a system of religious worship or ritual
   2. a quasi-religious group, often living in a colony, with a charismatic leader who indoctrinates members with unorthodox or extremist views, practices, or beliefs
2. 1. devoted attachment to, or extravagant admiration for, a person, principle, or lifestyle, esp. when regarded as a fad the cult of nudism
   2. the object of such attachment
3. a group of followers; sect

Etymology: < L cultus, care, cultivation, orig. pp. of colere, to till: see wheel