- luminary
- mid-15c., "source of (artificial) light," from M.Fr. luminarie "lamp, light," from L.L. luminare "light, torch, lamp, heavenly body," lit. "that which gives light," from L. lumen (gen. luminis) "light," related to lucere "to shine" (see light (n.)). Sense of "notable person" is first recorded 1690s.