sanctuary: Meaning and Definition of

sanc•tu•ar•y

1. a sacred or holy place.
1. the Biblical tabernacle or the Temple in Jerusalem.
2. the holy of holies of these places of worship.
3. an especially holy place in a temple or church.
4. the part of a church around the altar; the chancel.
5. a church or other sacred place where fugitives were formerly entitled to immunity from arrest.
6. immunity afforded by refuge in such a place.
7. any place of refuge; asylum.
8. a tract of land where birds and wildlife, esp. those hunted for sport, can breed and take refuge in safety from hunters.