Beacon \Bea"con\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Beaconed} (b[=e]"k'nd);
   p. pr. & vb. n. {Beaconing}.]
   1. To give light to, as a beacon; to light up; to illumine.
      
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            That beacons the darkness of heaven.  --Campbell.
      
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   2. To furnish with a beacon or beacons.
      
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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.
      
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            No flaming beacons cast their blaze afar. --Gay.
      
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   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.
      
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   3. A high hill near the shore. [Prov. Eng.]
      
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   4. That which gives notice of danger.
      
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            Modest doubt is called
            The beacon of the wise.               --Shak.
      
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   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}.
      
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   5. [fig.] that which provides guidance or inspiration; the
      Constitution has been a beacon for civil rights activists.
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   {Beacon fire}, a signal fire.
      
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