Lu″mi‐na‐ry (?), n.; pl.Luminaries (#), [F. luminaire, L. luminare a light or lamp, which was lighted in the churches, a luminary, fr. lumen, luminis, light, fr. lucere to be light, to shine, lux, lucis, light. See Light.]
1. Any body that gives light, especially one of the heavenly bodies. “ Radiant luminary.” Skelton.
Where the great luminary...
Dispenses light from far. Milton.
2. One who illustrates any subject, or enlightens mankind; as, Newton was a distinguished luminary.