consecrating

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.
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            One day in the week is . . . consecrated to a holy
            rest.                                 --Sharp.
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   2. To set apart to a sacred office; as, to consecrate a
      bishop.
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            Thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons. --Ex.
                                                  xxix. 9.
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   3. To canonize; to exalt to the rank of a saint; to enroll
      among the gods, as a Roman emperor.
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   4. To render venerable or revered; to hallow; to dignify; as,
      rules or principles consecrated by time. --Burke.

   Syn: See {Addict}.
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