I. ˈbē-kən noun
Etymology: Middle English beken, from Old English bēacen sign; akin to Old High German bouhhan sign
Date: 14th century
1. : a signal fire commonly on a hill, tower, or pole
2.
a. : a lighthouse or other signal for guidance
b. : a radio transmitter emitting signals for guidance of aircraft
3. : a source of light or inspiration
II. verb
Date: 1650
intransitive verb
: to shine as a beacon
transitive verb
: to furnish with a beacon