Sănct'ū-a-ry, n.

(săngkt'yu-a-rȳ), n. [Lat. sanctuarium, from sanctus, sacred, holy; Fr. sanctuaire, Pr. sanctuari, Sp., Pg., & It. santuario.]

1Sense 1. A sacred place; a consecrated spot; a holy and inviolable site; hence, specifically, (a.) The most retired part of the temple at Jerusalem, called the Holy of Holies, in which was kept the ark of the covenant, and into which no person was permitted to enter except the high priest, and that only once a year, to intercede for the people; also, the most sacred part of the tabernacle; also, the temple at Jerusalem. (b.) (Arch.) That part of a church where the altar is placed; also, the most sacred or retired part of a temple. (c.) A house consecrated to the worship of God; a place where divine service is performed; a church.

2Sense 2. Hence, a sacred and inviolable asylum; a place of refuge and protection; shelter; refuge.

These laws, whoever made them, bestowed on temples the privilege of sanctuary. Milton.

Some relics of painting took sanctuary under ground. Dryden.