sanc·tu·ar·y
(s
ngk
ch
-
r
)
KEY
NOUN:
pl.
sanc·tu·ar·ies
-
- A sacred place, such as a church, temple, or mosque.
- The holiest part of a sacred place, as the part of a Christian church around the altar.
-
- A sacred place, such as a church, in which fugitives formerly were immune to arrest.
- Immunity to arrest afforded by a sanctuary.
- A place of refuge or asylum.
- A reserved area in which birds and other animals, especially wild animals, are protected from hunting or molestation. See Synonyms at shelter.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French
sainctuarie, from Late Latin
s
ncturium, from Latin
snctus,
sacred ; see
sanctify
