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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
1. Any body that gives light, especially one of the heavenly bodies. “ Radiant luminary.” Skelton. [ 1913 Webster ]
Where the great luminary . . .
Dispenses light from far. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. One who illustrates any subject, or enlightens mankind; as, Newton was a distinguished luminary. [ 1913 Webster ]