Luminaries

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Luminary \Lu"mi*na*ry\, n.; pl. {Luminaries}, [F. luminaire, L.
     luminare a light or lamp, which was lighted in the churches,
     a luminary, fr. lumen, luminis, light, fr. lucere to be
     light, to shine, lux, lucis, light. See {Light}.]
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     1. Any body that gives light, especially one of the heavenly


        bodies. " Radiant luminary." --Skelton.
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              Where the great luminary . . .
              Dispenses light from far.             --Milton.
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     2. One who illustrates any subject, or enlightens mankind;
        as, Newton was a distinguished luminary.
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