/kon'si kray"sheuhn/ , n.
1. the act of consecrating; dedication to the service and worship of a deity.
2. the act of giving the sacramental character to the Eucharistic elements of bread and wine, esp. in the Roman Catholic Church.
3. ordination to a sacred office, esp. to the episcopate.
[ 1350-1400; ME consecracio ( u ) n ( consecration- (s. of consecratio ). See CONSECRATE, -ION ]