overzealousadj.

a1628 F. Greville Life of Sidney (1651) ii. 30 That well-tempered, though over-zealous, and superstitious Region of Italy.

a1668 W. Davenant Fair Favorite (1673) iii. i. 97 As true devout a heart, as over-zealous fools That differ in their Faiths.

1703 W. Burkitt Expos. Notes New Test. John xviii. 28 When Persons are over-zealous for Ceremonial Observations, they are oftentimes too remiss with reference to Moral Duties.

1795 R. Merry Fenelon ii. 40 For many a year, in sad imprisonment, Has Eloisa wept—by the harsh mandates Of over-zealous and mistaken nuns.

1835 R. Mant Brit. Months 260 His flock with over-zealous love Essay'd the buried corpse to move.

1860 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (ed. 2) V. xxiv. 33 The overzealous curates were committed to the Tower.

1906 J. London White Fang iii. iii. 148 Stealing backward glances as he ran, he was always ready to whirl around and down the overzealous pursuer that outran his fellows.

1992 D. A. Zonderman Aspirations & Anxieties 112 The social problems of the factory did not stop with overzealous and manipulative managers, though these men deserved the criticism directed at them.