Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DES'IG-NATE, v.t. [L. designo, designatum.]

1. To mark out or show, so as to make known; to indicate by visible lines, marks, description or something known and determinate; as, to designate the limits of a country; the limits are designated on the map; designate the spot where a star appears in the heavens; designate the place where our ancestors first landed.
2. To point out; to distinguish from others by indication; as, to be able to designate every individual who was concerned in a riot.
3. To appoint; to select or distinguish for a particular purpose; to assign; with for, as to designate an officer for the command of a station; or with to, as, this captain was designated to that station.