Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Beacon
Bea′con
(bē′k’n)
, Noun.
[OE.
bekene
, AS. beácen
, bēcen
; akin to OS. bōkan
, Fries. baken
, beken
, sign, signal, D. baak
, OHG. bouhhan
, G. bake
; of unknown origin. Cf. Beckon
.] 1.
A signal fire to notify of the approach of an enemy, or to give any notice, commonly of warning.
No flaming
beacons
cast their blaze afar. Gay.
2.
A signal, such as that from a lighthouse, or a conspicuous mark erected on an eminence near the shore, or moored in shoal water, as a guide to mariners.
3.
A high hill near the shore.
[Prov. Eng.]
4.
That which gives notice of danger.
Modest doubt is called
The
The
beacon
of the wise. Shakespeare
5.
(Navigation)
a radio transmitter which emits a characteristic signal indication its location, so that vehicles may determine their exact location by locating the beacon with a radio compass; – also called .
radio beacon
Beacon fire
, a signal fire.
Bea′con
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Beaconed
(bē′k’nd)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Beaconing
.] 1.
To give light to, as a beacon; to light up; to illumine.
That
beacons
the darkness of heaven. Campbell.
2.
To furnish with a beacon or beacons.
Webster 1828 Edition
Beacon
BE'ACON
,Noun.
1.
A signal erected on a long pole, upon an eminence, consisting of a pitch barrel, or some combustible matter, to be fired at night, or to cause a smoke by day, to notify the approach of an enemy. 2.
A light-house; a house erected on a point on land, or other place on the sea-coast, with lamps which burn at night, to direct navigators, and preserve vessels from running upon rocks, sand banks, or the shore. In general, a beacon may be any light or mark intended for direction and security against danger. 3. Figuratively, that which gives notice of danger.