\Il*lus"trate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Illustrated}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Illustrating}.] [L. illustratus, p. p. of
illustrare to illustrate, fr. illustris bright. See
{Illustrious}.]
1. To make clear, bright, or luminous.
         Here, when the moon illustrates all the sky.
                                               --Chapman.
2. To set in a clear light; to exhibit distinctly or
   conspicuously. --Shak.
         To prove him, and illustrate his high worth.
                                               --Milton.
3. To make clear, intelligible, or apprehensible; to
   elucidate, explain, or exemplify, as by means of figures,
   comparisons, and examples.
4. To adorn with pictures, as a book or a subject; to
   elucidate with pictures, as a history or a romance.
5. To give renown or honor to; to make illustrious; to
   glorify. [Obs.]
         Matter to me of glory, whom their hate Illustrates.
                                               --Milton.

\Il*lus"trate\, a. [L. illustratus, p. p.]
Illustrated; distinguished; illustrious. [Obs.]
      This most gallant, illustrate, and learned gentleman.
                                               --Shak.