Consecrate \Con"se*crate\, 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.

One day in the week is . . . consecrated to a holy rest. --Sharp.

2. To set apart to a sacred office; as, to consecrate a bishop.

Thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons. --Ex. xxix. 9.

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

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

Syn: See Addict.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)