saint

saint [sānt]

n.

[OFr < LL(Ec) sanctus, saint < L, holy, consecrated, pp. of sancire, to consecrate, akin to sacer: see SACRED]

1. a holy person

2. a person who is exceptionally meek, charitable, patient, etc.

3. [pl.] those, esp. holy persons, who have died and are believed to be with God

4.

a) in the New Testament, any Christian

b) [S-] a member of any of certain religious groups calling themselves Saints

5. in certain Christian churches, a person officially recognized as having lived an exceptionally holy life, and thus as being in heaven and capable of interceding for sinners; canonized person

vt.

to make a saint of; canonize: For names of saints, see the given name (as JOHN¹, PAUL¹, etc.); for other entries, see ST & fol.