Cŏn'stel-lā'tion, n.
n. [Lat. constellatio, Fr. constellation, Sp. constelación, It. constellazione.]
Sense 1. A cluster, assemblage, or group of fixed stars, situated near each other in the heavens, and designated by the names of animals, or other terrestrial objects, to which they are fancifully regarded as bearing a resemblance.
For the stars of heaven, and the constellations thereof, shall not give their light. Is. xiii. 10.
The constellations seem to have been almost purposely named and delineated to cause as much confusion and inconvenience as possible. Sir J. Herschel.
Sense 2. An assemblage of splendors or excellences.
The constellation of genius had already begun to show itself . . . which was to shed a glory over the meridian and close of Philip’s reign. Prescott.