Purgatory

n. [L. Lat. purgatorium, from Lat. purgatorius; It., Sp., & Pg. purgatorio, Pr. purgatori, Fr. purgatoire. See supra.] (Rom. Cath. Church.) A place, or a state believed to exist after death, in which the souls of persons are purified, or in which they expiate such offenses committed in this life as do not merit eternal damnation. After this purgation from the impurities of sin, the souls are believed to be received into heaven.

I should venture purgatory for it. Shak.

St. Patrick's Purgatory, a cavern situated in the southern part of the county of Donegal, in Ireland, which was for many years the object of pilgrimages and various superstitions. Nares.