n. 1. often Tabernacle Bible The portable sanctuary in which the Jews housed the Ark of the Covenant during their years in the desert. 2. often Tabernacle A case or box on a church altar containing the consecrated host and wine of the Eucharist. 3. A place of worship. 4. A niche for a statue or relic. 5. Nautical A boxlike support in which the heel of a mast is stepped. [Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin tabernāculum, from Latin, tent, diminutive of taberna, hut; see TAVERN.] tab′er·nacu·lar (-năkyə-lər) adj. |
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