to make or declare (a church, etc) sacred by a solemn ceremony
to prepare (bread and wine used at communion) to be received as Christ's body and blood
(usu + to) to devote (one's life) to a purpose with deep solemnity or dedication
to ordain (somebody) to a religious office, esp that of bishop
to make (something) inviolable or venerable
customs consecrated by time
consecration /-ʹkraysh(ə)n/ noun
consecrator noun
consecratory /-ʹkraytəri/ adj
[Latin consecratus, past part. of consecrare, from con- + sacrare to consecrate, from sacer sacred]