sanctum
/ˈsaŋ(k)təm
/noun (plural sanctums)
1A sacred place, especially a shrine within a temple or church: an icon installed within the sanctum of the temple...
- The result is that many Smarta priests are entering the temple sanctums.
- Harmful energy lines include water arteries, underground movements and ore and coal repositories, while ‘power zones’ occur predominately around old churches and pagan sanctums.
- Its easier to work with technology these days than it is to find obscure herbs and ingredients, to get proper working tools for the old pagan religions, or to construct proper sanctums for ritual use.
Synonyms
holy place, shrine, sanctuary, altar, inner sanctum, holy of holies;
Latin sanctum sanctorum
2A private place from which most people are excluded: he ushered her into his sanctum and gave her something to drink...
- Practically the entire spadework for the organization had already been done within the sanctums of the U.S. Treasury Department.
- The invitation had one condition: no conversation within the sanctum was to be directly reported.
- Swallowing, she determined the noise had come from the deeper sanctums of the library.
Synonyms
refuge, retreat, bolt-hole, foxhole, hideout, hiding place, hideaway, study, den;
Spanish querencia
Origin
Late 16th century: from Latin, neuter of sanctus 'holy', from sancire 'consecrate'.