n. 1 a a fire or light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning etc. b Brit. (now often in place-names) a hill suitable for this. 2 a visible warning or guiding point or device (e.g. a lighthouse, navigation buoy, etc.). 3 a radio transmitter whose signal helps fix the position of a ship or aircraft. 4 Brit. = BELISHA BEACON.
[ OE beacn f. WG ]