What does "consecrate" mean?

Consecrate: 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.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To set apart to a sacred office; as, to consecrate a bishop. Thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons. Ex. xxix.
  2. 3.3. To canonize; to exalt to the rank of a saint; to enroll among the gods, as a Roman emperor.
  3. 4.To render venerable or revered; to hallow; to dignify; as, rules or principles consecrated by time. Burke.

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