a solemn devoting or setting apart any person or thing to the service of God and the purposes of religion.

**Feast of Dedication**, an anniversary festival among the Jews, in memory of Judas Maccabeus, who repaired and dedicated anew the temple and altar, which had been plundered and profaned by Antiochus Epiphanes. It was observed on the twenty-fifth of Cisleu, and continued eight days.