v.tr.
1. make or declare sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose.
2 (in Christian belief) make (bread and wine) into the body and blood of Christ.
3 (foll. by to) devote (one's life etc.) to (a purpose).
4 ordain (esp. a bishop) to a sacred office.
Derivatives:
consecration n. consecrator n. consecratory adj.
Etymology: ME f. L consecrare (as com-, secrare sacrare dedicate f. sacer sacred)