Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DED-I-CA'TION, n.

1. The act of consecrating to a divine Being, or to a sacred purpose, often with religious solemnities; solemn appropriation; as, the dedication of Solomon's temple.
2. The act of devoting or giving to.
3. An address to a patron, prefixed to a book, testifying respect and recommending the work to his protection and favor. – Pope.