Changes

Its earlier application to heathen deities is found in ON., but app. not in OE.; in later use (see b) it renders Latin sanctus, sacer, so applied.

Its earlier application to heathen deities is found in ON., but app. not in OE.; in later use (see b) it renders Latin sanctus, sacer, so applied.

*3. Hence,    a. Of [[persons]]: Specially belonging to, commissioned by, or devoted to [[God]] (or so regarded): e.g. [[angels]], the [[Virgin Mary]], [[prophets]], [[apostles]], martyrs, saints, popes, bishops, etc. the holy [[soul]]s, the souls of the faithful departed, the blessed dead.

*3. Hence,    a. Of [[persons]]: Specially belonging to, commissioned by, or devoted to [[God]] (or so regarded): e.g. [[angels]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Virgin Mary], [[prophets]], [[apostles]], martyrs, saints, popes, bishops, etc. the holy [[soul]]s, the souls of the faithful departed, the blessed dead.

:b. Of [[things]]: Pertaining to [[God]] or the Divine Persons; having their [[origin]] or sanction from God, or partaking of a Divine [[quality]] or [[character]]. the Holy Name, the name of [[Jesus]] as an object of formal devotion among Catholics, as in the Litany of the Holy Name and the festival of the Holy Name of Jesus.

:b. Of [[things]]: Pertaining to [[God]] or the Divine Persons; having their [[origin]] or sanction from God, or partaking of a Divine [[quality]] or [[character]]. the Holy Name, the name of [[Jesus]] as an object of formal devotion among Catholics, as in the Litany of the Holy Name and the festival of the Holy Name of Jesus.

:c. Used trivially:    (a) with horror or the like (orig. U.S.), expressing intensity;    (b) with unfavourable implication of piety or sanctimoniousness (colloq.);    (c) used with a following [[word]] as an oath or expletive, as holy cow!, holy Moses!, holy smoke! holy Joe; holy terror: a person of exasperating habits or [[manner]]s; holy Willie: a hypocritically pious person.

:c. Used trivially:    (a) with horror or the like (orig. U.S.), expressing intensity;    (b) with unfavourable implication of piety or sanctimoniousness (colloq.);    (c) used with a following [[word]] as an oath or expletive, as holy cow!, holy Moses!, holy smoke! holy Joe; holy terror: a person of exasperating habits or [[manner]]s; holy Willie: a hypocritically pious person.

==Description==

==Description==

'''Holiness''', or sanctity, is in general the [[state]] of [[being]] holy (perceived by religious individuals as associated with the [[divine]]) or sacred (considered worthy of spiritual respect or devotion; or inspiring awe or reverence among believers in a given set of spiritual [[ideas]]). In other [[contexts]], objects are often considered 'holy' or 'sacred' if used for [[spiritual]] [[purpose]]s, such as the [[worship]] or service of gods. These terms can also be used in a non-spiritual or semi-spiritual context ("sacred truths" in a constitution). It is often ascribed to people ("a holy man" of religious occupation, "holy prophet" who is venerated by his followers), objects ("sacred artifact" that is worshipped), times ("holy days" of spiritual introspection, such as during winter holidays), or places ("sacred ground", "holy place").

'''Holiness''', or sanctity, is in general the [[state]] of [[being]] holy (perceived by religious individuals as associated with the [[divine]]) or sacred (considered worthy of spiritual respect or devotion; or inspiring awe or reverence among believers in a given set of spiritual [[ideas]]). In other [[contexts]], objects are often considered 'holy' or 'sacred' if used for [[spiritual]] [[purpose]]s, such as the [[worship]] or service of gods. These terms can also be used in a non-spiritual or semi-spiritual context ("sacred truths" in a constitution). It is often ascribed to people ("a holy man" of religious occupation, "holy prophet" who is venerated by his followers), objects ("sacred artifact" that is worshipped), times ("holy days" of spiritual introspection, such as during winter holidays), or places ("sacred ground", "holy place").