|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| ba·sil·i·ca [ bə síllikə, bə zíllikə ] (plural ba·sil·i·cas) |
noun |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. privileged Roman Catholic church: a Roman Catholic church or cathedral given ceremonial privileges by the Pope
|
2. ancient Roman building: in ancient Rome, a building with a central nave, a columned aisle on each side, and typically a terminal semicircular apse. It was used as a court of justice, an assembly hall, or an exchange.
|
3. large Christian church: a Christian church building formed from a Roman basilica or built to a similar design
|
| [Mid-16th century. Via Latin, "royal palace" < Greek basilikē< basilikos "royal" < basileus "king"] |
|
 ba·sil·i·can adjective |
|
|
|
|
