Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Luminary \Lu"mi*na*ry\, n.; pl. {Luminaries}, [F. luminaire, L.
   luminare a light or lamp, which was lighted in the churches,
   a luminary, fr. lumen, luminis, light, fr. lucere to be
   light, to shine, lux, lucis, light. See {Light}.]
   1. Any body that gives light, especially one of the heavenly
      bodies. `` Radiant luminary.'' --Skelton.

            Where the great luminary . . . Dispenses light from
            far.                                  --Milton.

   2. One who illustrates any subject, or enlightens mankind;
      as, Newton was a distinguished luminary.

Source : WordNet®

luminary
     n : a celebrity who is an inspiration to others; "he was host to
         a large gathering of luminaries" [syn: {leading light}, {guiding
         light}, {notable}, {notability}]