*dedicat*

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Dedicated; p. pr. & vb. n. Dedicating. ] 1. To set apart and consecrate, as to a divinity, or for sacred uses; to devote formally and solemnly; as, to dedicate vessels, treasures, a temple, or a church, to a religious use. [ 1913 Webster ]

Vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, . . . which also king David did dedicate unto the Lord. 2 Sam. viii. 10, 11. [ 1913 Webster ]

We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. . . . But in a larger sense we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. A. Lincoln. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To devote, set apart, or give up, as one's self, to a duty or service. [ 1913 Webster ]

The profession of a soldier, to which he had dedicated himself. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To inscribe or address, as to a patron. [ 1913 Webster ]

He complied ten elegant books, and dedicated them to the Lord Burghley. Peacham.

Syn. -- See Addict. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. 1. wholly committed to a purpose or cause; as, a dedicated musician.
Syn. -- devoted. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. zealous in loyalty or affection; as, dedicated nurses.
Syn. -- devoted. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

3. set apart especially for a higher purpose; as, a life dedicated to science. [ Narrower terms: consecrated (vs. desecrated), consecrate ]
Syn. -- dedicated to(predicate), devoted to(predicate). [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. One to whom a thing is dedicated; -- correlative to dedicator. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. dedicatio. ] 1. The act of setting apart or consecrating to a divine Being, or to a sacred use, often with religious solemnities; solemn appropriation; as, the dedication of Solomon's temple. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A devoting or setting aside for any particular purpose; as, a dedication of lands to public use. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An address to a patron or friend, prefixed to a book, testifying respect, and often recommending the work to his special protection and favor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L.: cf. F. dédicateur. ] One who dedicates; more especially, one who inscribes a book to the favor of a patron, or to one whom he desires to compliment. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Dedicatory. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. dédicatoire. ] Constituting or serving as a dedication; complimental. “An epistle dedicatory.” Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Dedication. [ R. ] Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]