Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Grace, an aged widow, the daughter of Phanuel. She was a “prophetess,” like Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah (2 Chr. 34:22). After seven years of married life her husband died, and during her long widowhood she daily attended the temple services. When she was eighty-four years old, she entered the temple at the moment when the aged Simeon uttered his memorable words of praise and thanks to God that he had fulfilled his ancient promise in sending his Son into the world (Luke 2:36, 37).
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
(grace), a “prophetess” in Jerusalem at the time of our Lord’s Presentation in the temple. (Luke 2:36) She was of the tribe of Asher.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
AN'NA (grace), a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. Luke 2:36. Her husband having died after she had been married seven years, she devoted herself to the Lord, and was very constant in her attendance on the services of the temple. She did not, however, live in the temple itself. At eighty-four years of age she listened to the prophetic blessing which Simeon uttered when he held the infant Redeemer in his arms, and joined in it with great fervor.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
gracious; one who gives