Dictionary entry

Consecrate (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Con″se‐crate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Consecrated; p. pr. & vb. n.Consecrating.] 1. To make, or declare to be, sacred; to appropriate to sacred uses; to set apart, dedicate, or devote, to the service or worship of God; as, to consecrate a church; to give (one's self) unreservedly, as to the service of God.

One day in the week is... consecrated to a holy rest.

Sharp.

2. To set apart to a sacred office; as, to consecrate a bishop.

Thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.

Ex. xxix. 9.

3. To canonize; to exalt to the rank of a saint; to enroll among the gods, as a Roman emperor.

4. To render venerable or revered; to hallow; to dignify; as, rules or principles consecrated by time. Burke.

Syn. — See Addict.