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.