Ed"i*fy (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Edified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Edifying.] [F. 'edifier, L. aedificare; aedes a building, house, orig., a fireplace (akin to Gr. to burn, Skr. idh to kindle, OHG. eit funeral pile, AS. ad, 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.
© Webster 1913.
Ed"i*fy, v. i.
To improve.
[R.]
Swift.
© Webster 1913.