Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dedication \Ded`i*ca"tion\, n. [L. dedicatio.]
   1. The act of setting apart or consecrating to a divine
      Being, or to a sacred use, often with religious
      solemnities; solemn appropriation; as, the dedication of
      Solomon's temple.

   2. A devoting or setting aside for any particular purpose;
      as, a dedication of lands to public use.

   3. An address to a patron or friend, prefixed to a book,
      testifying respect, and often recommending the work to his
      special protection and favor.

Source : WordNet®

dedication
     n 1: complete and wholehearted fidelity
     2: a ceremony in which something (as a building) is dedicated
        to some goal or purpose
     3: a message that makes a pledge [syn: {commitment}]
     4: a short message (as in a book or musical work or on a
        photograph) dedicating it to someone or something [syn: {inscription}]
     5: the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally)
        to a course of action; "his long commitment to public
        service"; "they felt no loyalty to a losing team" [syn: {commitment},
         {allegiance}, {loyalty}]