BEACON

PRONUNCIATION: (BEE-kuhn)

MEANING: noun: 1. Something that provides a guiding or warning signal, such as a lighthouse.
2. Someone or something that illuminates, inspires, or guides.
verb tr.: 1. To serve as a beacon.
2. To furnish with a beacon, such as outfitting a ship to mark shoals.
verb intr.: To emit a signal like a beacon.

ETYMOLOGY: From Old English beacen (sign, signal). The word beckon is a cousin. Earliest documented use: before 1150.
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BEECON - annual meeting of the Society of Apiarists

BETACON - not quite at the top of the heap in the penitentiary

BE AN ON - represent a social obligation to a Samurai or other honorable person