Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Heaven
Heav′en
(hĕv′’n)
, Noun.
[OE.
heven
, hefen
, heofen
, AS. heofon
; akin to OS. hevan
, LG. heben
, heven
, Icel. hifinn
; of uncertain origin, cf. D. hemel
, G. himmel
, Icel. himmin
, Goth. himins
; perh. akin to, or influenced by, the root of E. heave
, or from a root signifying to cover
, cf. Goth. gahamōn
to put on, clothe one’s self, G. hemd
shirt, and perh. E. chemise
.] 1.
The expanse of space surrounding the earth; esp., that which seems to be over the earth like a great arch or dome; the firmament; the sky; the place where the sun, moon, and stars appear; – often used in the plural in this sense.
I never saw the
heavens
so dim by day. Shakespeare
When my eyes shall be turned to behold for the last time the sun in
heaven
. D. Webster.
2.
The dwelling place of the Deity; the abode of bliss; the place or state of the blessed after death.
Unto the God of love, high
heaven's
King. Spenser.
It is a knell
That summons thee to
That summons thee to
heaven
or to hell. Shakespeare
New thoughts of God, new hopes of
Heaven
. Keble.
☞ In this general sense heaven and its corresponding words in other languages have as various definite interpretations as there are phases of religious belief.
Her prayers, whom
Heaven
delights to hear. Shakespeare
The will
And high permission of all-ruling
And high permission of all-ruling
Heaven
. Milton.
4.
Any place of supreme happiness or great comfort; perfect felicity; bliss; a sublime or exalted condition;
“A heaven of beauty.” as, a
. heaven
of delightShak.
“The brightest heaven of invention.” Shak.
O bed! bed! delicious bed!
That
That
heaven
upon earth to the weary head! Hood.
☞ Heaven is very often used, esp. with participles, in forming compound words, most of which need no special explanation; as, heaven-appeasing, heaven-aspiring, heaven-begot, heaven-born, heaven-bred, heaven-conducted, heaven-descended, heaven-directed, heaven-exalted, heaven-given, heaven-guided, heaven-inflicted, heaven-inspired, heaven-instructed, heaven-kissing, heaven-loved, heaven-moving, heaven-protected, heaven-taught, heaven-warring, and the like.
Heav′en
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Heavened
(hĕv′’nd)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Heavening
.] To place in happiness or bliss, as if in heaven; to beatify.
[R.]
We are happy as the bird whose nest
Is
Is
heavened
in the hush of purple hills. G. Massey.
Webster 1828 Edition
Heaven
HEAVEN
,Noun.
1.
The region or expanse which surrounds the earth, and which appears above and around us, like an immense arch or vault, in which are seen the sun, moon and stars.2.
Among christians, the part of space in which the omnipresent Jehovah is supposed to afford more sensible manifestations of his glory. Hence this is called the habitation of God, and is represented as the residence of angels and blessed spirits. Deut.26. The sanctified heart loves heaven for its purity, and God for his goodness.
3.
Among pagans, the residence of the celestial gods.4.
The sky or air; the region of the atmosphere; or an elevated place; in a very indefinite sense. Thus we speak of a mountain reaching to heaven; the fowls of heaven; the clouds of heaven; hail or rain from heaven. Jer.9. Job.35. Their cities are walled to heaven. Deut.1.
5.
The Hebrews acknowledged three heavens; the air or aerial heavens; the firmament in which the stars are supposed to be placed; and the heaven of heavens, or third heaven, the residence of Jehovah.6.
Modern philosophers divide the expanse above and around the earth into two parts,the atmosphere or aerial heaven, and the etherial heaven beyond the region of the air, in which there is supposed to be a thin, unresisting medium called ether.7.
The Supreme Power; the Sovereign of heaven; god; as prophets sent by heaven. I have sinned against heaven. Luke 15.
Shun the impious profaneness which scoffs at the institution of heaven.
8.
The pagan deities; celestials. And show the heavens more just.
9.
Elevation; sublimity. O! for a muse of fire, that would ascend
The brightest heaven of invention.
10. Supreme felicity; great happiness.