Definition of saint

The word "saint" originally came from the Old French word "seint" which literally means "holy" or "sanctified one." This word evolved from the Latin word "sanctus" which meant "holy" or "set apart." In the early Christian church, the term "saint" was used to refer to a person who had achieved spiritual perfection through their faith and actions. These individuals were often considered to be role models for others and were venerated as such. The use of the term "saint" gradually expanded over time to include all believers, not just those who had achieved a particularly high degree of holiness. The Catholic Church officially recognized these individuals as saints through a process called canonization, which involved rigorous investigation into their lives and miracles attributed to their intercession. In many Christian traditions today, the term "saint" is still used in both a broad and specific sense. Broadly, it refers to all believers who are set apart by their faith and committed to following God's will. Specifically, it refers to recognized holy men and women whose lives and examples continue to inspire and guide others.