First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1saint
noun \ˈsānt, before a name (ˌ)sānt or sənt\
: a person who is officially recognized by the Christian church as being very holy because of the way he or she lived
: a person who is very good, kind, or patient
Full Definition of SAINT
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
— saint·dom \ˈsānt-dəm\ noun
— saint·like \ˈsānt-ˌlīk\ adjective
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Origin of SAINT
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
Other Christian Religious Terms
2saint
transitive verb \ˈsānt\
Definition of SAINT
: to recognize or designate as a saint; specifically : canonize
First Known Use of SAINT
13th century
Other Christian Religious Terms
SAINT Defined for Kids
saint
noun \ˈsānt\
Definition of SAINT for Kids
1
: a good and holy person and especially one who in the Christian church is declared to be worthy of special honor
2
: a person who is very good, helpful, or patient <You were a saint for helping me all day.>
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