Lu"mi*na*ry (?), n.; pl.
Luminaries (#), [F. luminaire, L.
luminare a light or lamp, which was lighted in the churches, a
luminary, fr. lumen, luminis, light, fr. lucere
to be light, to shine, lux, lucis, light. See
Light.]
1. Any body that gives light, especially one
of the heavenly bodies. " Radiant luminary."
Skelton.
Where the great luminary . . .
Dispenses light from far.
Milton.
2. One who illustrates any subject, or
enlightens mankind; as, Newton was a distinguished
luminary.