sacred definition

<jargon> Reserved for exclusive use by something. The term might mean only writable by whatever it is sacred to.

For example, "Register 7 is sacred to the interrupt handler" would mean that if any other code changed the contents of register 7, dire consequences would ensue.

(01 Jul )

1. Set apart by solemn religious ceremony; especially, in a good sense, made holy; set apart to religious use; consecrated; not profane or common; as, a sacred place; a sacred day; sacred service.

2. Relating to religion, or to the services of religion; not secular; religious; as, sacred history. "Smit with the love of sacred song." (Milton)

3. Designated or exalted by a divine sanction; possessing the highest title to obedience, honor, reverence, or veneration; entitled to extreme reverence; venerable. "Such neighbor nearness to our sacred [royal] blood Should nothing privilege him." (Shak) "Poet and saint to thee alone were given, The two most sacred names of earth and heaven." (Cowley)

4. Hence, not to be profaned or violated; inviolable. "Secrets of marriage still are sacred held." (Dryden)

5. Consecrated; dedicated; devoted; with to. "A temple, sacred to the queen of love." (Dryden)

6. Solemnly devoted, in a bad sense, as to evil, vengeance, curse, or the like; accursed; baleful. "But, to destruction sacred and devote." (Milton) Society of the Sacred Heart, the place where a deceased person is buried.

Synonyms: Holy, divine, hallowed, consecrated, dedicated, devoted, religious, venerable, reverend.

Sa"credly, Sa"credness.

Origin: Originally p.p. Of OE. Sacren to consecrate, F. Sacrer, fr. L. Sacrare, fr. Sacer sacred, holy, cursed. Cf. Consecrate, Execrate, Saint, Sextion.