Lu"mi*na*ry (?), n.; pl. Luminaries (#), [F. luminaire, L. luminare a light or lamp, which was lighted in the churches, a luminary, fr. lumen, luminis, light, fr. lucere to be light, to shine, lux, lucis, light. See Light.]
1.
Any body that gives light, especially one of the heavenly bodies.
" Radiant
luminary."
Skelton.
Where the great luminary . . .
Dispenses light from far.
Milton.
2.
One who illustrates any subject, or enlightens mankind; as, Newton was a distinguished luminary.
© Webster 1913.