esp. said of spiritual or ecclesiastical binding. (In reference to Matthew xvi. 19.)

To strengthen spiritually.

In various figurative or immaterial senses, with personal object. To elevate spiritually or morally.

transitive. In religious use: To build up (the church, the soul) in faith and holiness; to benefit spiritually; to strengthen, support. Also absol.

= enhance, v. 2b 4 5.

transitive. To impart greater knowledge, wisdom, or understanding to; (in later use) spec. to free from prejudice or superstition. Cf. enlightened…

figurative. With reference to immaterial objects: To construct, frame, raise, by gradual means (anything that is compared to an edifice, as a…

transitive. To elevate spiritually; to raise to higher objects of contemplation; to excite to a higher degree of activity or emotion. Obsolete.

transitive. To make (more) spiritual; to give a spiritual character to (something).

‘To make a means of holiness’ (Johnson); to render productive of or conducive to holiness or spiritual blessing.