Dĕd'i-cāte1, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. DEDICATED; p. pr. & vb. n. DEDICATING.] [Lat. dedicāre, dedicātum, from de and dicāre, to declare, to dedicate; It. dedicare, Pr., Sp., & Pg. dedicar, Fr. dédier.]
Sense 1. To set apart and consecrate, as to a divinity, or for a sacred purpose; to devote formally and solemnly; as, to dedicate vessels, treasures, a temple, an altar, or a church, to God or to a religious use.
Vessels of silver, of gold, and of brass, which King David did dedicate to the Lord. 2 Sam. viii. 10.
Sense 2. To devote, set apart, or give wholly or earnestly up to. “The profession of a soldier, to which he had dedicated himself.” Clarendon.
Sense 3. To inscribe or address, as to a patron.
He compiled ten books, and dedicated them to the Lord Burleigh. Peacham.