n.
(pl. sanctuaries)
- a place of refuge or safety.
▸immunity from arrest.
- a nature reserve.
▸a place where injured or unwanted animals are cared for.
- a holy place.
▸the innermost recess or holiest part of a temple.
▸the part of the chancel of a church containing the high altar.
Etymology
ME (orig. ‘a sacred place where a fugitive was immune from arrest’): from OFr. sanctuaire, from L. sanctuarium, from sanctus ‘holy’.