Il*lu`mi*na"tion (?), n. [L.
illuminatio: cf. F. illumination.] 1.
The act of illuminating, or supplying with light; the state of
being illuminated.
2. Festive decoration of houses or buildings
with lights.
3. Adornment of books and manuscripts with
colored illustrations. See Illuminate, v.
t., 3.
4. That which is illuminated, as a house;
also, an ornamented book or manuscript.
5. That which illuminates or gives light;
brightness; splendor; especially, intellectual light or
knowledge.
The illumination which a bright genius giveth
to his work.
Felton.
6. (Theol.) The special communication
of knowledge to the mind by God; inspiration.
Hymns and psalms . . . are framed by meditation
beforehand, or by prophetical illumination are
inspired.
Hooker.
