Saint

Saint, a word much employed, especially in the Christian religion, to denote a holy man or being, or sometimes thing. In its strictest sense in theology it is applied to angels, apostles, and holy men and women, and generally only to such as have been canonised by due authority. Thus most of the Saxon saints were without canonisation. It is also used to denote the pure and upright, and has been arrogated by certain sects as a name to distinguish them. It is also used to denote the blessed dead, and all members living and dead of the Christian Church. Thus, the Church of England speaks of the "communion of saints," and prays, "Make us to be numbered with Thy saints." The Mohammedans have great reverence for their saints.