Beacon

Beacon Bea"con (b[=e]"k'n), n. [OE. bekene, AS. be['a]cen, b[=e]cen; akin to OS. b[=o]kan, Fries. baken, beken, sign, signal, D. baak, OHG. bouhhan, G. bake; of unknown origin. Cf. {Beckon}.] 1. A signal fire to notify of the approach of an enemy, or to give any notice, commonly of warning. [1913 Webster]

No flaming beacons cast their blaze afar. --Gay. [1913 Webster]

2. A signal, such as that from a lighthouse, or a conspicuous mark erected on an eminence near the shore, or moored in shoal water, as a guide to mariners. [1913 Webster]

3. A high hill near the shore. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster]

4. That which gives notice of danger. [1913 Webster]

Modest doubt is called The beacon of the wise. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

5. (Navigation) a radio transmitter which emits a characteristic signal indication its location, so that vehicles may determine their exact location by locating the beacon with a radio compass; -- also called {radio beacon}. [1913 Webster]

5. [fig.] that which provides guidance or inspiration; the Constitution has been a beacon for civil rights activists. [PJC]

{Beacon fire}, a signal fire. [1913 Webster]