celeste (selest)

[An abbrev. of F. bleu cé leste, sky-blue: see blue and celest.] In ceram., sky-blue. celestial (se-les'tial), a. and n. [ So to glorifie God, the author of time and light, which the darkened conceits of the Heathens ascribed to the Planets and bodies cœlest i all , calling the moneths by their Purchas , Pilgrimage, p. 123. names. 2. Heavenly; belonging or relating to, or characteristic of, heaven; dwelling in heaven; hence, of superior excellence, delight, purity, etc.: as, a celestial being; celestial felicity. Thys lady hym saide that it myght not bee, Hit please ne wold the king cel est i all . Rom. of Partenay (E. E. T. S.), 1. 3795. Desire of power, on earth a vicious weed, Yet sprung from high is of celestial seed: In God 'tis glory; and when men aspire, 'Tis but a spark too much of heavenly fire. Dryden, Abs. and Achit., 1. 305. Thus far, nations have drawn their weapons from the earthly armories of Force, unmindful of these others of celestial temper from the house of Love. Sumner , Orations, I. 104. Celestial crown, in her ., a bearing resembling the antique crown, and having each of its rays charged with a for 878 IMG:content-3348.png:[blocks in formation] [Rare.] celestially (se-les'tial-i), adv. In a celestial or heavenly manner.