a. [ L. designatus, p. p. of designare. See Design, v. t. ] Designated; appointed; chosen. [ R. ] Sir G. Buck. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Designated; p. pr. & vb. n. Designating. ] 1. To mark out and make known; to point out; to name; to indicate; to show; to distinguish by marks or description; to specify; as, to designate the boundaries of a country; to designate the rioters who are to be arrested. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To call by a distinctive title; to name. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To indicate or set apart for a purpose or duty; -- with to or for; as, to designate an officer for or to the command of a post or station.

Syn. -- To name; denominate; style; entitle; characterize; describe. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. designatio: cf. F. désignation. ] 1. The act of designating; a pointing out or showing; indication. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Selection and appointment for a purpose; allotment; direction. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which designates; a distinguishing mark or name; distinctive title; appellation. [ 1913 Webster ]

The usual designation of the days of the week. Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Use or application; import; intention; signification, as of a word or phrase. [ 1913 Webster ]

Finite and infinite seem . . . to be attributed primarily, in their first designation, only to those things which have parts. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. désignatif. ] Serving to designate or indicate; pointing out. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. ] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) An officer who assigned to each his rank and place in public shows and ceremonies. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who designates. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Serving to designate; designative; indicating. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]