ˈseɪkrɪd adj. 1 a (often foll. by to) exclusively dedicated or appropriated (to a
god or to
some religious purpose). b
made holy by religious
association. c
connected with religion; used
for a religious
purpose (sacred music). 2 a safeguarded or required by religion,
reverence, or
tradition. b
sacrosanct. 3 (of writings etc.) embodying
the laws or doctrines of a religion. øSacred
College RC
Ch. the
body of cardinals. sacred cow colloq. an
idea or
institution unreasonably
held to be
above criticism (with
ref. to the Hindus'
respect for the cow as a holy animal). Sacred
Heart RC Ch. the heart of
Christ as an
object of
devotion. sacred
number a number associated with religious
symbolism, e.g. 7. øøsacredly adv. sacredness n. [ME,
past part. of obs. sacre
consecrate f. OF sacrer f. L sacrare f. sacer sacri holy]