ILLU'MINATE, verb transitive [See Illume.] To enlighten; to throw light on; to supply with light. [This word is used in poetry or prose.] 1. To adorn with festal lamps or bonfires. 2. To enlighten intellectually with knowledge or grace. Hebrews 10:32. 3. To adorn with pictures, portraits and other paintings; as, to illuminate manuscripts or books, according to ancient practice. 4. To illustrate; to throw light on, as on obscure subjects. ILLU'MINATE, adjective Enlightened. ILLU'MINATE, noun One of a sect of heretics pretending to possess extraordinary light and knowledge.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI