holy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a sacred place of pilgrimage
    sanctum; holy place.
  2. adjective belonging to or derived from or associated with a divine power

WordNet

Ho"ly adjective
Etymology
OE. holi, hali, AS.halig, fr. hæl health, salvation, happiness, fr. hal whole, well; akin to OS. hlag, D. & G.heilig, OHG. heilac, Dan. hellig, Sw. helig, Icel. heilagr. See Whole, and cf. Halibut, Halidom, Hallow, Hollyhock.
Wordforms
comparative Holier ; superlative Holiest
Definitions
  1. Set apart to the service or worship of God; hallowed; sacred; reserved from profane or common use; holy vessels; a holy priesthood. "Holy rites and solemn feasts." Milton.
  2. Spiritually whole or sound; of unimpaired innocence and virtue; free from sinful affections; pure in heart; godly; pious; irreproachable; guiltless; acceptable to God.
    Now through her round of holy thought The Church our annual steps has brought. Keble.

Webster 1913