saint

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French seint, saint, from Late Latin sanctus, from Latin, sacred, from past participle of sancire to make sacred — more at sacred Date: 13th century 1. one officially recognized especially through canonization as preeminent for holiness 2. a. one of the spirits of the departed in heaven b. angel 1a 3. a. one of God's chosen and usually Christian people b. capitalized a member of any of various Christian bodies; specifically Latter-day Saint 4. one eminent for piety or virtue 5. an illustrious predecessor • saintdom noun • saintlike adjective II. transitive verb Date: 13th century to recognize or designate as a saint; specifically canonize