something holy, or that is solemnly offered and consecrated to God, with benedictions, uncisions, &c.

Kings, prelates, and priests, are reckoned sacred persons; abbots are only blessed. The deaconhood, sub-deaconhood, and priesthood, are all sacred orders, and are said to impress a sacred indelible character. The custom of consecrating kings with holy oil is derived (says Grotius) from the Hebrews; among whom, he agrees with Grotius, it was never used but to kings who had not an evident right by succession. He adds, that the Christian emperors never used it before Justin the younger; from whom he takes it to have passed to the Goths, &c.

Sacred is also applied to things belonging to God and the church. Church-lands, ornaments, &c. are held sacred.—The sacred college is that of the cardinals.

Sacred Majesty, is applied to the emperor and to the king of England; yet Loyfeau says it is blasphemy. See MAJESTY. The ancients held a place struck with thunder as sacred. In the civil law, sacred place chiefly denotes that where a person deceased has been interred.

Sacred Elixir. See ELIXIR.