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sanctuary

sanc·tu·ar·y [ sángkchoo èrree ] (plural sanc·tu·ar·ies)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. refuge: a safe place, especially for people being persecuted

2. place where wildlife is protected: a place or area of land where wildlife is protected from predators and from being destroyed or hunted by human beings
a bird sanctuary

3. religion holy place: a holy place, e.g. a church, mosque, or temple

4. religion most sacred part of holy building: the most sacred part of a consecrated building, e.g. the area around the altar in a Christian church

5. christianity church protecting fugitives: in medieval times, a holy place, usually a church, that provided immunity from the law

6. judaism 
Same as  holy of holies


[14th century. Via French< Latin sanctuarium< sanctus "holy" (see saint)]
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