Il*lus"trate (?), a. [L.
illustratus, p. p.] Illustrated; distinguished;
illustrious. [Obs.]
This most gallant, illustrate, and learned
gentleman.
Shak.Il*lus"trate (?), v. t. [imp. &
p. p. Illustrated (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Illustrating (?).] [L. illustratus, p. p.
of illustrare to illustrate, fr. illustris bright. See
Illustrious.] 1. To make clear, bright,
or luminous.
Here, when the moon illustrates all the
sky.
Chapman.
2. To set in a clear light; to exhibit
distinctly or conspicuously. Shak.
To prove him, and illustrate his high
worth.
Milton.
3. To make clear, intelligible, or
apprehensible; to elucidate, explain, or exemplify, as by means of
figures, comparisons, and examples.
4. To adorn with pictures, as a book or a
subject; to elucidate with pictures, as a history or a
romance.
5. To give renown or honor to; to make
illustrious; to glorify. [Obs.]
Matter to me of glory, whom their hate
Illustrates.
Milton.