Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
BEACON
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English beken, from Old English bēacen sign; akin to Old High German bouhhan sign
Date: 14th century
a signal fire commonly on a hill, tower, or pole,
2. a lighthouse or other signal for guidance, a radio transmitter emitting signals for guidance of aircraft, a source of light or inspiration,
II. verb
Date: 1650
intransitive verb to shine as a beacon, transitive verb to furnish with a beacon