Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CEL'E-BRATE, v.t. [Ir. ceileabradh; Fr. celebrer; Sp. and Port. celebrar; It. celebrare; L. celebro, from celeber, famous. The Russ. has slavlyu. Qu. the root of Gr. κλειω.]

1. To praise; to extol to commend; to give praise to; to make famous; as, to celebrate the name of the Most High. The grave cannot celebrate thee. Is. xxxviii.
2. To distinguish by solemn rites; to keep holy. From even to even shall ye celebrate your sabbath. – Lev. xxiii.
3. To honor or distinguish by ceremonies and marks of joy and respect; as, to celebrate the birth-day of Washington; to celebrate a marriage.
4. To mention in a solemn manner, whether of joy or sorrow. – Johnson.