Definition of: sanctuary

(sangk′ch·er′ē) noun plural ·ar·ies
1. A holy or sacred place; especially, a building or space, as a church, mosque, temple, or structure devoted to the worship of any deity.
2. The most sacred part of a place in a sacred structure; especially, the part of a church where the principal altar is situated; in Scripture, the holy of holies of the Jewish tabernacle and temple; also, the adytum of an ancient Greek or Roman temple.
3. A place of refuge; asylum; hence, immunity. See synonyms under REFUGE, SHELTER. [<OF saintuarie <LL sanctuarium <L sanctus holy]