n. & v.
--n. (pl. -ies)
1. high renown or fame; honour.
2 adoring praise and thanksgiving (Glory to the Lord).
3 resplendent majesty or magnificence; great beauty (the glory of Versailles; the glory of the rose).
4 a thing that brings renown or praise; a distinction.
5 the bliss and splendour of heaven.
6 colloq. a state of exaltation, prosperity, happiness, etc. (is in his glory playing with his trains).
7 an aureole, a halo.
8 an anthelion.
--v.intr. (often foll. by in, or to + infin.) pride oneself; exult (glory in their skill).
Phrases and idioms:
glory be!
1. a devout ejaculation.
2 colloq. an exclamation of surprise or delight. glory-box Austral. & NZ a box for women's clothes etc., stored in preparation for marriage.
glory-hole
1. colloq. an untidy room, drawer, or receptacle.
2 US an open quarry. glory-of-the-snow CHIONODOXA. go to glory sl. die; be destroyed.
Etymology: ME f. AF & OF glorie f. L gloria