-consecrat-

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

One day in the week is . . . consecrated to a holy rest. Sharp. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To set apart to a sacred office; as, to consecrate a bishop. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons. Ex. xxix. 9. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To canonize; to exalt to the rank of a saint; to enroll among the gods, as a Roman emperor. [ 1913 Webster ]

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

Syn. -- See Addict. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Consecrator. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. consecratio: cf. F. consécration. ] The act or ceremony of consecrating; the state of being consecrated; dedication. [ 1913 Webster ]

Until the days of your consecration be at an end. Lev. viii. 33. [ 1913 Webster ]

Consecration makes not a place sacred, but only solemnly declares it so. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. ] One who consecrates; one who performs the rites by which a person or thing is devoted or dedicated to sacred purposes. [ Written also consecrater. ] [ 1913 Webster ]