GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Martyr , n. [AS., from L. martyr, Gr. μάρτυρ, μάρτυς, prop., a witness; cf. Skr. smṛ to remember, E. memory.]
   1913 Webster
   One who, by his death, bears witness to the truth of the gospel; one who is put to death for his religion; as, Stephen was the first Christian martyr.
   Chaucer.
   
   1913 Webster
   To be a martyr, signifies only to witness the truth of Christ; but the witnessing of the truth was then so generally attended with persecution, that martyrdom now signifies not only to witness, but to witness by death.
   South.
   
   1913 Webster
   Hence, one who sacrifices his life, his station, or what is of great value to him, for the sake of principle, or to sustain a cause.
   1913 Webster
   Then if thou fall'st, O Cromwell,
   Thou fall'st a blessed martyr !
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Martyr , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Martyred ; p. pr. & vb. n. Martyring.]
   To put to death for adhering to some belief, esp. Christianity; to sacrifice on account of faith or profession.
   Bp. Pearson.
   
   1913 Webster
   To persecute; to torment; to torture.
   Chaucer.
   
   1913 Webster
   The lovely Amoret, whose gentle heart
   Thou martyrest with sorrow and with smart.
   Spenser.
   
   1913 Webster
   Racked with sciatics, martyred with the stone.
   Pope.
   
   1913 Webster