Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Edify

Ed′i-fy

,
Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Edified
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Edifying
.]
[F.
édifier
, L.
aedificare
;
aedes
a building, house, orig., a fireplace (akin to Gr. [GREEK] to burn, Skr.
idh
to kindle, OHG.
eit
funeral pile, AS.
ād
, OIr.
aed
fire) +
facere
to make. See
Fact
,
-fy
.]
1.
To build; to construct.
[Archaic]
There was a holy chapel
edified
.
Spenser.
2.
To instruct and improve, especially in moral and religious knowledge; to teach.
It does not appear probable that our dispute [about miracles] would either
edify
or enlighten the public.
Gibbon.
3.
To teach or persuade.
[Obs.]
Bacon.

Ed′i-fy

,
Verb.
I.
To improve.
[R.]
Swift.

Webster 1828 Edition

Edify

ED'IFY

,
Verb.
T.
[L. oedifico; oedes, a house, and facio, to make.]
1.
To build, in a literal sense. [Not now used.]
2.
To instruct and improve the mind in knowledge generally,and particularly in moral and religious knowledge, in faith and holiness.
Edify one another. 1 Thess.5.
3.
To teach or persuade. [Not used.]

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