Consecrate

v. t. [imp. & p. p. CONSECRATED; p. pr. & vb. n. CONSECRATING.] [Lat. consecratus, p. p. of consecrare, from con and sacrare, to consecrate, from sacer, sacred, q. v.] 1. To make, or declare to be, sacred; to appropriate to sacred uses; to set apart, dedicate, or devote, to the service and worship of God; as, to consecrate a church. One day in the week is, by a public law, consecrated to a holy rest. Sharp.

2. To canonize; to exalt to the rank of a saint; to enroll among the gods, as a Roman emperor.
3. To render venerable; to dignify; as, rules or principles consecrated by time. Burke.

Syn.—See ADDICT.